MedScribe

MedScribe is a software solution to decipher complex medical concepts on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and bacterial infections. With clear language and easy-to-understand explanations, we empower users to grasp essential information and take proactive measures against AMR.

Damilola Oshunyinka, Research Data Scientist

MedScribe tackles healthcare illiteracy surrounding AMR, a global threat leading to longer illnesses, increased mortality rates, and rising healthcare costs, especially in low to middle-income communities (LMICs), affecting millions worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 

The issue stems from a lack of understanding and translation of scientific discoveries into daily life, resulting in inappropriate antibiotic use, treatment failure, spread of resistant bacteria, and slow uptake of effective actions to address AMR. In a study by Mangione-Smith et al. (2004), researchers investigated parent expectations for antibiotics across different racial and ethnic groups and their influence on antibiotic use in pediatric healthcare settings. The study found that parents from certain backgrounds were more likely to expect antibiotics for their children's illnesses, potentially due to factors like cultural beliefs and previous healthcare experiences. These expectations, influenced by variations in health literacy, could lead to the overuse of antibiotics, contributing to antibiotic resistance. The study underscores the importance of addressing health literacy and providing clear, culturally sensitive education about antibiotic use to promote appropriate prescribing practices and combat antimicrobial resistance.

The target users of MedScribe include healthcare providers, patients, community health workers, local drug vendors, policymakers, farming communities in LMICs in Nigeria, and the general public at large. It addresses their need for clear, accessible information and guidance on AMR, antibiotic stewardship, and infection prevention. We will employ various methods, including user research, expert collaboration, and feedback from beta testers, to understand their needs effectively. By engaging stakeholders through surveys, reviews, and throughout the development, we ensure MedScribe meets their needs effectively, promotes health literacy, and contributes to global efforts against AMR.

MedScribe's solution plays a crucial role in democratizing access to vital healthcare knowledge, particularly concerning AMR and bacterial infections. Through automated generation of plain-language educational content, MedScribe empowers diverse stakeholders, including healthcare providers, patients, policymakers, and the general public, to make informed decisions and proactive measures against AMR. This accessible knowledge not only benefits individuals but also bolsters the well-being of communities worldwide in combating the AMR threat.

Moreover, MedScribe's capability to produce simplified medical text in languages such as Spanish, Arabic, and Urdu extends this public good to non-English speaking populations, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity. This broader reach contributes to public health promotion and strengthens efforts to address global health challenges like AMR more effectively.

Furthermore, MedScribe's operations contribute to creating well-paying tech jobs, particularly among indigenous populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). By leveraging AI technology and expanding its global services, MedScribe provides employment opportunities in regions where access to such positions is scarce. These jobs not only offer financial stability and upward mobility but also cultivate a skilled technology workforce, aligning with MedScribe's mission of advancing healthcare accessibility and promoting economic empowerment in underserved regions.

MedScribe empowers its target population, including healthcare providers, patients, community health workers, drug vendors, farming communities, and the general public with accessible knowledge on AMR and bacterial infections. By simplifying complex medical concepts into plain-language materials, MedScribe facilitates informed decision-making and proactive measures against AMR.

The logical links between MedScribe's activities, outputs, and outcomes are as follows:

1. Activities: MedScribe analyzes extensive medical literature and scientific research, applies generative AI algorithms, and generates plain-language educational content.
2. Outputs: User-friendly educational materials are delivered to the target population through in-person training sessions, digital platforms, and collaboration with local stakeholders.
3. Outcomes: MedScribe's target audience gain a deeper understanding of AMR, adhere to treatment regimens, practice infection prevention measures, and make informed decisions about antibiotic use, ultimately contributing to reduced antibiotic misuse, improved access to effective antibiotics when needed, and enhanced healthcare outcomes

User feedback and research studies support the effectiveness of MedScribe's approach in simplifying medical concepts and providing actionable insights.

In the coming year, we aim to establish an on-premise GPT for internal development and testing while expanding MedScribe's influence through strategic partnerships in healthcare, education, and public health sectors. These efforts are intended to improve global healthcare accessibility by creating generative AI applications that adhere to compliance, security, and safety standards when utilizing patient data. Additionally, MedScribe's initiatives will benefit community health workers, drug vendors, and farming communities by providing valuable resources and knowledge to enhance healthcare management, increase access to services, and empower individuals through the dissemination of healthcare knowledge.

Over the subsequent three years, our focus will be on strengthening MedScribe by integrating user feedback into innovations, deploying on-premise technology within healthcare providers' private network infrastructure, and developing personalized features. Moreover, we will adapt MedScribe's educational content to be globally relevant across cultures and languages. Another positive outcome of our expansion efforts is the creation of well-paying tech jobs in LMIC regions, which will foster economic growth and empowerment within these communities by employing skilled professionals for software development, data analysis, and IT infrastructure management tasks.

We measure success against our impact goals through a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework that encompasses both quantitative and qualitative indicators. Specific, measurable indicators we use to measure our progress include:

1. Knowledge Acquisition: We conduct pre/post usage surveys to assess users' understanding of AMR concepts before and after engaging with MedScribe. Improved scores indicate successful knowledge acquisition.

2. Behavior Change: We track changes in antimicrobial providers' prescription practices and buyers' adherence to treatment regimens using anonymized data gathered from various sources including local community pharmacies, drug shops, informal vendors, market sellers, traditional healers, and veterinary clinics. Positive changes in behavior reflect the impact of MedScribe's educational content.

During our pilot phase, we look for promising performance against these metrics. For example, pre/post usage surveys indicated significant improvements in users' understanding of AMR concepts after engaging with MedScribe. Additionally, qualitative feedback from users highlight high levels of satisfaction with the platform's usability and educational content. These indicators demonstrate the effectiveness of MedScribe in achieving its impact goals and guide our ongoing efforts to monitor and evaluate our impact as we scale our solution.

Over the next one to three years, MedScribe faces several challenges:

1. Financial Constraints: Limited funding may impede scaling and technology upgrades. To address this, we'll seek additional funding through grants, partnerships, and cost-effective strategies.

2. Technical Challenges: Expanding MedScribe's capabilities presents hurdles in NLP and data integration. For healthcare providers, security risks in cloud-based GPT usage are concerning. We'll invest in R&D for on-premise GPT solutions, improve NLP algorithms, and ensure seamless integration.

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to data privacy regulations and healthcare standards is crucial. Collaboration with legal experts will ensure compliance and necessary certifications.

4. Market Competition: Competing platforms and traditional materials may hinder market penetration. Emphasizing MedScribe's unique value proposition and targeting strategic partnerships will differentiate it.

5. Cultural and Educational Barriers: Tailored approaches are needed due to variations in healthcare practices and language preferences. Cultural assessments and collaboration with local stakeholders will ensure relevance.

Addressing these challenges involves optimizing resources, seeking funding, R&D investment, legal collaboration, differentiation, and cultural adaptation.

We are applying to The Trinity Challenge because it provides a unique opportunity to leverage interdisciplinary collaboration and resources to address global health challenges, particularly AMR. The Trinity Challenge's focus on data-driven solutions aligns with our mission to combat AMR through innovative technology and education.

One barrier we face is limited access to diverse expertise and resources necessary for impactful solutions. The Trinity Challenge's network of members and partners offers access to a wealth of knowledge, skills, and funding opportunities, enabling us to overcome this barrier through collaboration and support. Additionally, The Trinity Challenge's emphasis on evidence-based approaches and impact measurement aligns with our commitment to rigorous evaluation and continuous improvement, ensuring the effectiveness and scalability of our solution. By participating in The Trinity Challenge, we aim to leverage its network, resources, and expertise to accelerate the development and implementation of MedScribe, ultimately making a significant impact in the fight against AMR.

Organizations combating antimicrobial resistance in low-income communities, such as healthcare providers, non-profits, community health worker programs, global health initiatives, local health departments, and farming communities, can benefit from the MedScribe solution. These organizations may struggle to communicate complex medical information to diverse linguistic backgrounds. Simplified text and multilingual translations aid in promoting antimicrobial stewardship, enhancing educational materials, and supporting outreach campaigns related to antimicrobial resistance. Our solution empowers these organizations to effectively convey crucial information about antimicrobial resistance prevention and management to communities with varying literacy and language proficiency levels. By providing accessible information in multiple languages, the software facilitates improved awareness, prevention, access to quality-assured antibiotics when needed, and management of antimicrobial resistance in low-income communities.

Specifically, we believe collaboration with the following organizations will be mutually beneficial:

• Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA)
• Society for Health Education and Development (SHED)
• Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN)
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
• Center for Disease Control (CDC)
• Hawaii Agriculture Research Center