Artificial intelligence and data technology provide smarter health care – 4 solutions that have made a difference for noncommunicable diseases
Starting today (14 December) in Moscow, the “WHO European conference on tackling noncommunicable diseases through digital solutions” brings together decision-makers and experts from across the WHO European Region to identify innovative ways to tackle chronic diseases that affect millions of people.
The growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the European Region has called for new approaches to managing chronic conditions. COVID-19 has limited access to health services and placed a huge burden on economies; inspiring countries to look for digital solutions to improve the quality of health services, making them more responsive to people’s needs.
At the same time, decision-makers across the Region are searching for new ways to improve the prevention of NCDs and promote healthier lifestyles in general – an area that requires further exploration.
A selection of stories from countries shows how digital solutions can benefit prevention and treatment of NCDs.
Online diabetes registry empowers patients
A national diabetes registry was first established in 2000 in Croatia. Called CroDiab, the registry is a web-based system for the collection of information on diabetic patients, which allows health professionals to focus on their individual needs and choose better treatment options.
CroDiab’s data is collected from government registries and primary care and hospital reports. Since 2004, use of this digital database has been mandatory for all primary and secondary health-care physicians who have patients with diabetes in their care.
Database to improve cancer treatment
A national electronic cancer data collection system in Georgia makes the cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment process more efficient for patients and doctors, and allows the government to better devise cancer management strategies.
The Unified Electronic System for Cancer Data Collection registers every step in the cancer case management process. As a result, patients do not have to carry around their diagnosis papers when seeing different specialists – everything is already in the system. Using this innovative tool, the country’s health professionals and authorities are able to better plan cancer management and choose the best practices.
Artificial intelligence speeds up radiation therapy planning
In Slovakia, a new technology helps reduce the average time spent by a radiation oncologist in planning radiation therapy for patients by at least 30%.
The software tool uses artificial intelligence to automatically generate images within seconds from computerized tomography (CT) scans. This helps oncologists ensure that radiation therapy planning is optimal, with the least possible impact on the patient.
Mobile app makes life easier for people with rheumatoid arthritis
Many people with chronic conditions find it makes a huge difference to get support from others dealing with the same challenges. Recognizing this, the Elsa Science app was developed in Sweden to link up patients who wish to share their experiences, gain knowledge about their condition, and play an active part in their health care.
The first chronic condition the Elsa Science app is focusing on is rheumatoid arthritis. While using the app, people with this condition can share their health information with their rheumatology specialists or health facilities, and get support from their families and friends.
In the European Region, digital solutions are helping more and more people to enjoy and share the benefits of quality health care and to learn more about healthier choices and lifestyles.
The Moscow conference on digital solutions to tackle NCDs reflects the vision of the WHO European Programme of Work 2020–2025, and shares the hope that even struggling with the challenges of COVID-19, we are creating a better and healthier world to live in.
