ForeverAI - Remote Pain Recognition System

Sickle Cell anemia is a rare genetic disease that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. It can cause anemia, infections, and painful episodes, known as crises. The disease is inherited as a recessive trait and is caused by genetic changes in the HBB gene. Ean Mikale, the Founder and Principal Engineer of a company, has the Sickle-cell Trait, while his mother and relatives suffer from the full-blown Sickle-cell disease.

Due to the intense pain experienced by many Sickle Cell Disease patients, they often have to manage their pain using potent and dangerous narcotics like Morphine, Delodid, and Fentanyl. This increases the risk of overdosing, especially with medications that have timed-release capsules. Such overdoses pose liability issues for healthcare systems and governments at various levels.

Research has shown that opioid use and overdose can have severe complications in individuals with sickle cell disease. For example, a 13-year-old girl with Sickle Cell Disease experienced life-threatening complications after a morphine overdose, including renal infarction, acute kidney injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.

The opioid epidemic in the United States led to policies regulating opioid medications. However, these policies can negatively impact individuals with chronic pain conditions like sickle cell disease, who require opioids to manage their pain. Racial disparities in healthcare further exacerbate the difficulties faced by individuals with sickle cell disease in accessing necessary opioid medication.

Sickle-cell crisis refers to acute pain episodes, also known as vaso-occlusive crisis, which are common in sickle cell disease and can be life-threatening. Dehydration and stress can cause blood clotting in these patients, leading to conditions such as myocardial infarction. Remote screening algorithms are proposed as a solution to identify and monitor these patients, reducing costs associated with hospital visits, saving resources, and increasing energy efficiency using Quantum-based Biological Inspired algorithms.

The average hospital trip for sickle cell patients takes 22 minutes, which consumes 2.5 gallons of gas and emits approximately 22.2175 grams of carbon. By multiplying these emissions by the number of people at risk (127,000) and considering one trip to the Pain Doctor per month, it is estimated that approximately 74,700 pounds of carbon emissions can be saved annually through the implementation of remote pain screening technology.

We believe our technology can not only make a difference in the lives of those living with this rare disease, but to also provide the world with a cleaner environment and systematic cost-savings across stakeholders.

Our Remote Pain Recognition Technology is a groundbreaking solution designed to remotely screen and identify pain in individuals with conditions such as sickle cell disease. It utilizes advanced algorithms and cutting-edge technology to assess pain levels without the need for physical hospital visits.

So, what does it do? Our technology allows patients to be screened for pain remotely, saving them the time, effort, and costs associated with hospital trips. By leveraging Quantum-based Biological Inspired algorithms, we have created an efficient and accurate system that can detect and assess pain levels in individuals.

Here's how it works: The remote pain recognition system uses various inputs, such as voice analysis, facial expressions, and physiological data, to gauge pain levels. For example, the system analyzes the tone, pitch, and intensity of a person's voice, as well as facial cues like frowns, grimaces, or tears. Additionally, it may collect data on heart rate, blood pressure, and other relevant physiological markers.

By combining and analyzing these different data points, our technology can determine the severity of pain a person is experiencing remotely. This information can then be shared with healthcare professionals, who can make informed decisions about treatment plans and interventions without requiring the patient to be physically present at the hospital.

It's important to note that our remote pain recognition technology aims to complement the existing healthcare system, providing an additional tool for assessing and monitoring pain levels. It does not replace the need for in-person care when necessary.

To get a better idea of how our solution works, you can check out a video demonstration of our product [provide a link to a relevant video demo, if available].

Overall, our Remote Pain Recognition Technology revolutionizes pain assessment and monitoring by offering a remote and efficient solution. It has the potential to significantly improve the lives of individuals with chronic pain conditions like sickle cell disease, reducing the burden of hospital visits while ensuring timely and accurate pain management.

The target population for our Remote Pain Recognition Technology is individuals with chronic pain conditions, specifically those who suffer from sickle cell disease (SCD) primarily individuals of African descent, who are at-risk for overdosing due to opioid intake. Sickle cell disease affects a significant number of people globally, particularly in populations of African descent, with less than 200,000 person living with the rare disease in the United States.

To understand the needs of this population, we have conducted extensive research and will continue to engage with healthcare professionals specializing in SCD, patients, and advocacy groups. We have sought insights directly from patients concerning the challenges they face in managing their pain, the limitations of current systems, and the potential benefits of a remote pain recognition solution.

Through these engagements, we have gained valuable perspectives on the unique pain experiences of individuals with SCD. We have also received feedback on their preferences, concerns, and expectations regarding remote pain assessment technologies. This direct engagement with the target population has been crucial in shaping the development of our solution.

Our Remote Pain Recognition Technology addresses their needs by offering a non-invasive and convenient method for pain assessment. By enabling remote screening, individuals with SCD can avoid unnecessary hospital visits, reducing the associated costs, travel time, and potential exposure to infections. The technology allows for regular monitoring of pain levels, leading to timely interventions and appropriate pain management strategies.

Moreover, our solution aims to address the racial disparities that individuals with SCD often face in healthcare. By providing a remote pain assessment tool, we strive to improve access to proper pain management for all individuals, irrespective of their racial or ethnic background.

In summary, our solution directly and meaningfully improves the lives of individuals with chronic pain conditions, specifically those with sickle cell disease. We have actively engaged with this population to understand their needs, preferences, and challenges. Through remote pain recognition, we aim to provide convenient, efficient, and equitable pain assessment, leading to better pain management and improved quality of life for individuals with SCD.

The Team Lead, Ean Mikale, lives with the Sickle Cell Trait, and caretakes for individuals who live with the Sickle Cell Disease, and has done so for his entire life. He has led Clinical Studies led to remote disease recognition, using Artificial Intelligence algorithms, and taking such technology to the FDA. He is working with Jennifer Messick, who is the lead researcher at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's Buffet Cancer Institute, who brings experience working with Opioid ingesting patients post-operation. Likewise, Dr. Adedayo Sobamowo is a third-generation Medical Doctor and MBA graduate who is currently engaged in the niche markets of Healthcare: Financing, Management, and Technology. With a unique 20 years of professional work experience spanning various sectors, including Family Medicine, Investment Banking, Commercial Banking Strategy/Innovation, and Healthcare Financing in Europe and Africa, Dr. Sobamowo brings a diverse perspective to the field, and to the project, as he naturally works with populations with a high SCD prevelance. JaQuala Yarbro is the Founder of Compete Institute of Socioeconomic Policy and Education(CISPE), an institute devoted to decreasing disparate conditions in communities of Color. Through data driven initiatives we inform public health policy and feeder systems primarily through predictive modeling predicated on  qualitative data. The applicant will partner with Compete Institute, in order to assist in ethical and socially responsible data collection methods, data analysis, and data-sharing. Carlos Kieliszewski is a current Software Developer at Infinite 8 Industries, Inc., with 8-years of experience working on Cyber-security and Front-end Development with Full-stack Development capability. Carlos will work with Ean, who is gifted at Back and Front-end Development as well as Cyber-security and AI Model Development, to go through future iterations, as the current version of the technology is pilot-ready. We are also currently partnering with the Kenya Centre for Science and Technology Innovations to Provide a pilot a program in 2023 to provide remote screening as a resource to address the local disparities in Kenya involving large populations with Sickle-cell anemia, where are much as 50 percent of a region in Kenya lives with SCD.

We have conducted Bench-testing for the product. Using the same methods, however, we also have conducted a clinical trial with our Covid-19 algorithms, showing 99.99% accuracy compared to the gold-standard PCR Test. The trial was overseen by the Sterling institutional review board, in collaboration with Quality Clinical Research, and overseen by Jennifer Messick, the head Oncology Researcher at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Head of the Buffet Cancer Center.

We are looking to raise the visibility of our work, gain institutional support, access to healthcare providers and research groups, publication in MIT Peer-reviewed Journals, and fiscal mentoring.

The Team Lead lives with Sickle-cell Anemia, and has been a care-taker for his Mother, who lives with full-blown Sickle-cell Anemia. He has had close family members who have died as a result of Sickle-cell Anemia. He has made countless trips with his mother to the hospital, assisted her in managing her medications, and has seen her suffer from numerous SCD Crisis. He has also seen the inefficiencies all his life in the care that SCD patients receive. Therefore, does he not only have special insight into the disease, with a life-time of experience with it, being a carrier of the SCD trait, also makes his a part of the SC community globally.

Our innovation lies in the utilization of Facial-recognition technology combined with Quantum Bio-inspired algorithms, drawing inspiration from Black-hole mechanics, the Constructal Law theory, Exciton Condensation Theory, and Hydrodynamization. This unique combination forms our Flow Theory, which aims to optimize data-flow and inferencing in remote screening for Pain. Moreover, our algorithm incorporates standard camera RGB imaging, enabling individuals to conveniently access automated screening services using their cell phones or existing devices. This system facilitates healthcare provisioning, entry into the clinical pipeline for further screening and patient services. Additionally, we employ a web-based interface that employs Voice Recognition for Image Screening, automated data-input, and compliant data-storage in a deidentified manner. These features result in a fully automated system that minimizes the waste of human and physical resources.

Year 1 focuses on further developing and validating the sickle-cell screening device. We allocate resources to expedite the prototyping process, aiming for a tailored working prototype. Clinical trials rigorously assess the device's effectiveness and accuracy, crucial for validation and credibility. Strategic outreach and networking activities establish partnerships with healthcare institutions. We work with regulatory authorities for necessary approvals and certifications. Pilot implementations in select healthcare facilities provide real-world data for further development and fine-tuning.

In Year 2, we refine and enhance the device based on pilot feedback, optimizing accuracy and reliability. Research and development expand its capabilities to address the opioid epidemic. Collaborations with addiction specialists and stakeholders develop algorithms for opioid addiction screening and monitoring, aligning with our vision of a comprehensive screening tool.

Year 3 focuses on global deployment as a standard sickle-cell screening tool. Partnerships with healthcare providers, organizations, and governments facilitate adoption. Extensive marketing and educational campaigns raise awareness about early detection benefits. Collaboration with medical professionals and researchers contributes to ongoing sickle-cell research. A comprehensive anonymized patient database aids analysis, insights, and potential collaborations.

Year 4 enhances the device to address the opioid epidemic. Collaboration with addiction specialists and stakeholders tailors algorithms for screening and monitoring. Integration into addiction treatment facilities aids healthcare providers in addressing challenges. Research and development improves the device's sensitivity and specificity in detecting opioid addiction markers.

In the final year, we consolidate our position as a leader in healthcare screening technology. Continuous improvement and innovation refine the device's technology based on emerging advancements, user feedback, and scientific knowledge. Research and development incorporate machine learning techniques, ensuring accuracy and compatibility with other medical devices. Efforts are made to enhance affordability and accessibility through partnerships with philanthropic organizations and governments. Data privacy and security remain paramount, maintaining patient trust.

1. Lean Business Model Development Process: a. Customer Validation: Measure the number of successful pilot implementations and partnerships established with healthcare institutions and organizations. b. Revenue Growth: Track the increase in revenue generated from the commercialization of the device. c. Customer Acquisition: Monitor the growth in the number of healthcare facilities and organizations adopting the device. d. Cost Reduction: Evaluate the decrease in manufacturing costs through optimization and economies of scale.

2. Design Thinking and UX/UI: a. User Satisfaction: Conduct user surveys and interviews to assess user satisfaction with the device's usability, interface, and overall user experience. b. User Engagement: Monitor user engagement metrics such as frequency of device usage and time spent on the platform. c. Task Completion Rate: Measure the percentage of users successfully completing tasks and screenings using the device. d. Feedback Incorporation: Track the number of user feedback iterations implemented in device improvements.

3. Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): a. Release Frequency: Measure the frequency of new feature releases and updates to ensure continuous improvement and user satisfaction. b. Bug Fix Rate: Monitor the number and severity of bugs reported and the speed at which they are addressed and resolved. c. Deployment Success Rate: Assess the success rate of deploying new updates and features without disrupting device functionality.

4. Green Sustainability Goals: a. Carbon Footprint Reduction: Track and reduce the device's energy consumption and overall carbon footprint during manufacturing, usage, and disposal phases. b. Waste Reduction: Measure the decrease in waste generated during the device manufacturing process and promote the use of recyclable materials. c. Eco-Friendly Packaging: Evaluate the adoption of sustainable packaging materials and practices, minimizing environmental impact.

5. UN Sustainable Development Goals (Aligned Indicators): a. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being: Monitor the number of individuals screened for sickle-cell disease and opioid addiction, tracking early detection and intervention rates. b. Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Measure the adoption and integration of the device into healthcare systems globally. c. Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Assess the number and quality of partnerships established with healthcare providers, governments, and philanthropic organizations.

Our solution aims to have a significant impact on addressing the problem of sickle-cell disease and the opioid epidemic by providing an innovative device for screening and monitoring. We believe that our solution will create positive change through a logical framework that connects our activities, outputs, and outcomes for the target population.

Our activities primarily focus on the development, validation, and deployment of the screening device. By investing resources and expertise in these activities, we expect to achieve immediate outputs such as the production of a working prototype, successful clinical trials, and partnerships with healthcare institutions.

These outputs are directly linked to our theory of change, as they contribute to the following outcomes:

1. Early Detection and Intervention: By providing a reliable and accessible screening device, we aim to enable early detection of sickle-cell disease and opioid addiction. Early detection allows for timely intervention and treatment, improving health outcomes and reducing the overall impact of these conditions on individuals and communities.

2. Improved Healthcare Access: Our solution focuses on enhancing accessibility to screening and monitoring services. By utilizing facial recognition technology and normal camera RGB imaging, we enable individuals to access automated screening services using their existing devices, such as cell phones. This removes barriers to access, particularly for underserved populations or those in remote areas, ultimately increasing the number of individuals who can benefit from early detection and intervention.

3. Enhanced Healthcare Systems: Through partnerships with healthcare providers and integration into existing systems, our solution contributes to the improvement of healthcare infrastructure. The device serves as a valuable tool for healthcare professionals, aiding in efficient screening and monitoring of sickle-cell disease and opioid addiction. This leads to more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatment plans, and better allocation of resources within the healthcare system.

4. Reduction in Healthcare Costs: Early detection and intervention can potentially reduce the long-term healthcare costs associated with sickle-cell disease and opioid addiction. By identifying these conditions at an earlier stage, healthcare providers can implement appropriate interventions, preventing complications and costly emergency treatments.

5. Positive Social and Economic Impact: By addressing the challenges posed by sickle-cell disease and opioid addiction, our solution contributes to improving the overall well-being and productivity of individuals and communities. Early detection and intervention allow individuals to lead healthier lives, pursue education, and engage in meaningful work, positively impacting social and economic development.

To support our theory of change, we will gather evidence through research, process evaluations, and user feedback. This evidence will demonstrate the effectiveness of our solution in achieving the desired outcomes and will strengthen our approach for future scalability and sustainability.

In summary, our solution aims to create an impact by enabling early detection, improving healthcare access, enhancing healthcare systems, reducing costs, and generating positive social and economic outcomes. Through our activities and outputs, we expect to achieve these outcomes and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities affected by sickle-cell disease and the opioid epidemic.

Our solution utilizes cutting-edge technologies to power its capabilities and provide a seamless user experience. At the core of our technology stack, we leverage Nvidia Jetson edge-devices, known for their high-performance computing capabilities and advanced AI processing capabilities. These edge-devices enable us to deploy our solution efficiently and effectively, ensuring real-time analysis and response.

To further enhance the security and efficiency of our solution, we leverage a Quantum network. Quantum networks utilize quantum mechanical principles to transmit information securely and with high speed. By leveraging the inherent properties of quantum mechanics, such as entanglement and superposition, we can ensure the privacy and integrity of the data transmitted through our network.

To track and manage data in a secure and transparent manner, we utilize a ledger system. This ledger system employs distributed ledger technology, which ensures that data remains unidentifiable while maintaining an auditable record of transactions. This allows for secure and transparent data management, protecting the privacy of individuals while enabling effective analysis and tracking of relevant information.

The core of our solution lies in our quantum bio-inspired algorithms, which are based on our Flow Theory. This theory integrates various scientific principles, including the constructal law, black-hole mechanics, exciton condensation theory, and hydrodynamization. By incorporating these theories into our algorithms, we optimize energy use and information flow within our system. This optimization leads to efficient data processing, accurate analysis, and improved overall performance of our solution.

To make our solution easily accessible and user-friendly, we have deployed it on a web-based interface. This web-based interface eliminates the need for users to download and install any additional applications, making it convenient and accessible from any device with internet connectivity. Additionally, we have incorporated Voice Recognition technology, which allows users to automatically capture images and input data using voice commands. This simplifies the user experience and enables efficient data entry and processing.

To ensure the highest level of security for the data transmitted and stored within our system, we employ quantum-resistant algorithms, such as Quantum Key Distribution. These encryption algorithms protect sensitive data from potential quantum-based attacks, safeguarding the privacy and integrity of the information captured and stored within our solution.

In summary, our solution leverages Nvidia Jetson edge-devices and operates on a Quantum network to deliver high-performance computing and secure data transmission. The integration of quantum bio-inspired algorithms based on our Flow Theory optimizes energy use and information flow. The web-based interface, combined with Voice Recognition, ensures ease of use and efficient data capture. Quantum-resistant encryption algorithms provide robust security measures to protect user data. Through the convergence of these technologies, we power our solution to address the challenges at hand effectively.

We have conducted bench-testing, and have also conducted clinical trials using the underlying methodology on another disease, to show a Proof-of-Concept. Also, there are similar organizations using less advanced technology, such as Face2Genes, which is meant to serve as a search and reference tool for rare diseases using legacy Facial Recognition Technology, but not to replace a Physicians diagnosis. Similarly, our technology is meant to service as a Clinical Decision-Support Software, rather than to act as a Diagnostics Device. Face2Genes is already used in hospitals worldwide, including in the U.S., however they have not addressed the rare Sickle Cell Disease. Here is a link to our peer-reviewed paper, where we used our remote detection technique on the Covid-19 disease: https://www.starjournals.org/a...

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We have been working on this solution for 8-years.

We are a diversity-led organization. Our team is 75-percent African-American, and 50 percent female led, with our Co-PI's being an African-American, and Woman. The Founder, Ean Mikale, is also grew up with parents who did not have a college degree, he received free/reduced lunch as a student, he received the Pell Grant in College, and grew up the 68111 zip-code that was below-the poverty line on the National Census.

Our business model focuses on providing automated screening services for the roughly 170,000 African-American patients suffering sickle-cell disease and who are at-risk of opioid overdose, and within our five-year plan opioid addiction within the same African-American population, delivering both social impact and financial sustainability. We cater to two main customer segments: healthcare providers and individuals in need of screening and monitoring services.

Healthcare providers benefit from our comprehensive solution, which includes our advanced screening device, software platform, and data analytics capabilities. Our automated screening process saves time and resources compared to traditional methods, integrating seamlessly into existing workflows. The data analytics feature provides valuable insights for personalized treatment plans and resource allocation, enhancing the value we offer to healthcare providers.

Individuals seeking screening and monitoring services enjoy the convenience and accessibility of our solution. Through our web-based interface, they can easily access our automated screening services using their own devices. The user-friendly voice recognition feature simplifies data capture, enabling early detection and monitoring of sickle-cell disease and opioid addiction. This timely intervention improves health outcomes and enhances their quality of life.

Our revenue model relies on reimbursement for our automated services. As part of the FDA Payor Payee Program, we actively pursue Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements, expanding access to a wider population. Partnering with government healthcare programs ensures accessibility for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, reducing healthcare disparities and maximizing social impact.

Additionally, we seek partnerships with private insurance providers to secure coverage for our screening services, generating revenue while ensuring service availability regardless of insurance coverage.

To strengthen revenue streams and support social impact, we collaborate with philanthropic organizations, healthcare foundations, and research grants. These partnerships provide funding and support for reaching underserved communities, investing in research and development, and subsidizing services for those in need.

In summary, our business model combines social impact and financial sustainability through automated screening services for sickle-cell disease and opioid addiction. By addressing the needs of healthcare providers and individuals, we create value through efficient and accessible screening, personalized treatment plans, and improved health outcomes. Reimbursements, strategic partnerships, and collaborations ensure the viability and scalability of our solution, positively impacting the lives of individuals and communities affected by these healthcare challenges.

Our financial sustainability plan encompasses a diversified approach to generate revenue and fund our work, ensuring long-term viability and covering expected expenses. We employ a combination of revenue streams, including sustained donations and grants, selling products and services, service contracts to governments, and raising investment capital.

To secure sustained donations and grants, we actively engage with philanthropic organizations, healthcare foundations, and research grants that align with our mission and goals. By demonstrating the social impact and value of our solution, we aim to attract funding to support our operations, research and development, and outreach initiatives. These sustained donations and grants provide essential financial support and stability to sustain our work.

In addition, we offer products and services to generate revenue. Our automated screening device and software platform are available for sale to healthcare providers, enabling us to generate revenue through product sales. Furthermore, we provide service contracts to governments and healthcare institutions, offering our comprehensive solution for sickle-cell disease and opioid addiction screening. These contracts involve ongoing service provision, creating a reliable revenue stream that aligns with our mission and the needs of our target population.

Another avenue for financial sustainability is raising investment capital. We seek partnerships with investors who share our vision and recognize the potential of our solution. Investment capital allows us to accelerate our growth, expand our operations, and reach a wider market. By attracting investment, we can further enhance our technological capabilities, strengthen our market presence, and drive innovation in healthcare screening.

To ensure the long-term financial sustainability of our organization, we focus on developing revenue streams that can cover our expected expenses. Through careful financial planning and monitoring, we aim to achieve a balance between revenue generation and operational costs. We regularly evaluate our financial performance, adjusting our strategies and revenue streams as needed to maintain financial stability.

Moreover, we explore opportunities for collaboration and strategic partnerships to leverage resources and expand our reach. By partnering with other organizations, we can access new markets, share expertise, and jointly develop innovative solutions. These collaborations can lead to shared funding opportunities and increased financial sustainability.

In summary, our financial sustainability plan involves a combination of sustained donations and grants, selling products and services, service contracts to governments, and raising investment capital. By diversifying our revenue streams, we aim to cover our expected expenses and ensure the long-term viability of our organization. We remain agile in adapting our strategies and seeking collaborative opportunities to maximize our financial sustainability and continue making a positive impact in healthcare screening.

Our organization has received a grant from Amazon Web Services for $225,000, which has helped us build our AI we have today. We have made over $2.25 million in a sister agency training on high-technologies. We also have an Innovation and Sustainability Consultant on our Board of Directors, Sharon Waters, PhD, who has won over $50M in grants from the Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, Department of Health and Human Services, and the like. Additionally, Ean Mikale, JD, the Founder, has also helped to award over half a billion dollars in Federal Grant Awards as a Federal Grant Reader for the US Department of Education. The organization is currently applying for NIH opportunities to deploy the technology, as well as interacting with international agencies regarding licensing opportunities of the technology.