Transformative Pathways: AI and Collaborative Strategies in Patient-Centric Integrated Care

OBJECTIVES: Integrated care has emerged as a vital approach to address complex health and social care challenges, fostering collaborative networks among healthcare organisations. Traditional methods often miss the complexity of integrated care dynamics. Embracing a holistic perspective and fostering collaborative networks among healthcare providers are crucial for seamless care delivery. We need to bring all stakeholder groups together and harness the power of AI and data science to create a single patient-centric system, fostering collaboration, enhancing information sharing, and, above all, advancing healthcare.

METHODS: An AI-powered technology, known as SmartX Solution is developed with a focus on patients. This innovation is made up of several integrated modules connecting a wide range of stakeholders: a mobile health application (mHealth) to support self-management; a web-based portal, fully integrated with the mHealth and any existing systems, e.g., electronic health records, to support clinical decision-making; a simulation-based decision-support tool to better plan services; and situation-room visualization capabilities for real-time monitoring and evaluation.

RESULTS: To demonstrate SmartX Solution, we customized the technology for holistic HIV/AIDS management. The solution was deployed at a facility in Nigeria with 10,000 patients. The mHealth (known as the BSmart Chart) revealed exceptional performance and high user satisfaction, with coefficients surpassing 85%. It notably decreased doctors' workload by 39% and nurses' workload by 42%. The overcrowded clinics observed a minimum 14% reduction in visits, while average waiting times significantly decreased by 44 minutes.

CONCLUSIONS: The solution provided real-time monitoring and evaluation of the entire spectrum of HIV care, enabling communication among stakeholders. When all the data and all the people involved in care are connected, better outcomes emerge for the patient, and all stakeholders can work more efficiently and effectively with satisfaction. Note that the technology is versatile and can be tailored to any medical condition and healthcare settings globally.