digital health
We discuss the concept of a participatory digital contact notification approach to assist tracing of contacts who are exposed to confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19);
The core functionality of our concept is to provide a usable, labor-saving tool for contact tracing by confirmed cases themselves
the approach is simple and affordable for countries with limited access to health care resources and advanced technology.
The proposed tool serves as a supplemental contract tracing approach to counteract the shortage of health care staff while providing privacy protection for both cases and contacts.
- This tool can be deployed on the internet or as a plugin for a smartphone app.
- Confirmed cases with COVID-19 can use this tool to provide contact information (either email addresses or mobile phone numbers) of close contacts.
- The system will then automatically send a message to the contacts informing them of their contact status, what this status means, the actions that should follow (eg, self-quarantine, respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette), and advice for receiving early care if they develop symptoms.
- The name of the sender of the notification message by email or mobile phone can be anonymous or not.
- The message received by the contact contains no disease information but contains a security code for the contact to log on the platform to retrieve the information.
Conclusion
The successful application of this tool relies heavily on public social responsibility and credibility, and it remains to be seen if the public would adopt such a tool and what mechanisms are required to prevent misuse.
This is a simple tool that does not require complicated computer techniques despite strict user privacy protection design with respect to countries and regions. Additionally, this tool can help avoid coercive surveillance, facilitate the allocation of health resources, and prioritize clinical service for patients with COVID-19. Information obtained from the platform can also increase our understanding of the epidemiology of COVID-19.
read this concept paper at https://mhealth.jmir.org/2020/6/e20369
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The recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic underscored the effectiveness and rapid deployment of digital public health interventions, notably the digital proximity tracing apps, leveraging Bluetooth capabilities to trace and notify users about potential infection exposures.
Digital proximity tracings showcased the promise of digital public health.
As the world pivots from pandemic responses, it becomes imperative to address noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) that account for a vast majority of health care expenses and premature disability-adjusted life years lost.
The narrative of digital transformation in the realm of NCD public health is distinct from infectious diseases.
The power of artificial intelligence (AI) in this digital transformation is noteworthy.
- AI can automate repetitive tasks, facilitating health care providers to prioritize personal interactions, especially those that cannot be digitalized like emotional support.
- Moreover, AI presents tools for individuals to be proactive in their health management. However, the human touch remains irreplaceable;
- AI serves as a companion guiding through the health care landscape.
Digital evolution, while revolutionary, poses its own set of challenges.
Issues of equity and access are at the forefront. Vulnerable populations, whether due to economic constraints, geographical barriers, or digital illiteracy, face the threat of being marginalized further.
This transformation mandates an inclusive strategy, focusing on not amplifying existing health disparities but eliminating them.
Population-level digital interventions in NCD prevention demand societal agreement.
Policies, like smoking bans or sugar taxes, though effective, might affect those not directly benefiting. Hence, all involved parties, from policy makers to the public, should have a balanced perspective on the advantages, risks, and expenses of these digital shifts.
For a successful digital shift in public health, especially concerning NCDs, AI’s potential to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, user experience, and equity—the “quadruple aim”—is undeniable.
However, it is vital that AI-driven initiatives in public health domains remain purposeful, offering improvements without compromising other objectives.
The broader success of digital public health hinges on transparent benchmarks and criteria, ensuring maximum benefits without sidelining minorities or vulnerable groups.
Especially in population-centric decisions, like resource allocation, AI’s ability to avoid bias is paramount.
Therefore, the continuous involvement of stakeholders, including patients and minority groups, remains pivotal in the progression of AI-integrated digital public health.
read the original paper at https://publichealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e49575/
Lire l'article complet sur : publichealth.jmir.org