RISE (Rural Indigenous Support for E-Health)

The lack of electronic medical records in developing countries is a significant problem because it hinders the comprehensive management and accessibility of patient data. This affects the delivery of healthcare services by leading to inefficiencies in treatment, an increased likelihood of medical errors, and significant delays in providing necessary care due to the lack of centralized medical records. In fact, 70% of medical decisions are based on the availability of accurate data in patient records, which becomes a daunting challenge in regions where electronic medical records are not widely utilized. This scale of the problem indicates that millions of individuals in these communities are affected by the substandard healthcare outcomes resulting from the absence of electronic medical records.

The scale of the problem in indigenous communities in the Philippines is significant because these communities often face geographical and economic barriers, making it particularly difficult to access traditional health services. This lack of accessibility results in a disproportionately higher prevalence of diseases and health issues within these communities. Globally, the absence of EMR affects the efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved regions where traditional paper-based record-keeping systems limit the overall effectiveness of medical interventions. Local statistics show that there are approximately 17 million indigenous people in the Philippines, all of whom are directly impacted by the absence of EMR, leading to barriers in receiving timely and appropriate healthcare. The factors contributing to this problem relate to limited resources, geographical isolation, and insufficient infrastructure, hindering these communities from accessing adequate medical care and hindering physicians from maintaining comprehensive patient records.

Socio-economic challenges contribute to the lack of EMR by affecting the financial resources of healthcare facilities and individuals. Limited funding hinders the investment in digital infrastructure and staff training required for EHR implementation. Organizational factors impact the implementation of EHRs because of the resistance to change within healthcare systems. Moreover, the lack of standardized protocols for data management and privacy further complicates the transition to electronic records. In the context of the Philippines, specific factors such as remote geographical locations, inadequate internet connectivity, and cultural diversity present unique hurdles in embracing EHR technology. Globally, these challenges are also evident in under-resourced communities and developing nations, where resources and infrastructure for digital healthcare solutions are scarce.

Bare's solution spans across education, provision, and technological support to address health disparities in communities. The first component involves working closely with local school teachers to integrate comprehensive health education into the curriculum, emphasizing crucial topics such as personal protective equipment and basic hygiene practices. Additionally, tailored provision strategies are implemented to ensure that each community's unique needs are met. For instance, some communities receive essential items like slippers to guard against soil-transmitted diseases, while others are provided with support to install vital facilities like portable toilets. In extending its reach, Bare's RISE program leverages technology, aiming to bridge the gap in healthcare for remote indigenous populations.

The program begins with providing the isolated indigenous community with a device (Galaxy Tab A9 Wi-Fi) and ensuring internet connectivity. Our solution integrates an e-health records system that allows the singular health care worker within these communities to input patient information directly. The technology utilized includes secure cloud-based servers and electronic medical record software, ensuring the confidentiality and accessibility of the stored data. Once the patient records are filled in, they are then seamlessly transmitted to the nearest health care centers for further documentation and analysis, establishing a crucial link between the communities and the essential healthcare resources.

The populations that Bare targets are diverse, including various indigenous communities with limited access to healthcare and resources. Currently, these populations face significant challenges due to the lack of adequate health education, access to basic hygiene resources, and healthcare infrastructure. Many indigenous communities struggle with the absence of proper sanitation facilities, leading to increased susceptibility to preventable diseases. Additionally, the shortage of healthcare workers in these communities results in under-service and neglect of crucial health needs. Furthermore, the limited connectivity to essential healthcare resources exacerbates the health disparities experienced by these populations.

The RISE program's innovative approach aims to directly address the healthcare needs of isolated indigenous communities. By providing Wi-Fi enabled devices and integrating an e-health records system, RISE revolutionizes the way patient information is captured and transmitted, overcoming the challenges of limited healthcare personnel and resources. For the communities, this translates to substantial improvements in healthcare accessibility, reduced risk of misdiagnoses, and timely medical interventions. Additionally, the utilization of secure cloud-based servers and electronic medical record software ensures confidentiality and seamless data accessibility, offering indigenous populations a reliable link to essential healthcare resources. This comprehensive solution is expected to significantly enhance the overall health outcomes and well-being of these underserved communities by addressing their unique healthcare challenges and better connecting them to vital medical assistance.

The diversity within our team is our strength. Each member brings a unique perspective and skill set that enriches our approach. For instance, our Chief Technology Officer is an expert in healthcare technology, while our Public Relations Coordinator has a background in community outreach. This diversity is reflected in the way we engage with the target population. By actively involving community members at every stage, from ideation to implementation, we ensure that their voices are not only heard but also integrated into the fabric of our solution. Our team's commitment to collaborating with and learning from the communities we serve truly makes us the right choice to design and deliver a sustainable and impactful solution.

Bare's team composition is diverse, with members from various backgrounds, representing a mosaic of experiences and perspectives that serve as a powerful catalyst for innovative problem-solving. This diversity enables us to approach challenges from multiple angles, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive solution design process. Passion for health is a common trait among all team members. Whether it stems from personal experiences, academic pursuits, or community engagement, this collective fervor for enhancing healthcare underscores our commitment to addressing the specific needs of the communities we serve. Each member's unique background and skills contribute to the team's overall capability. With a blend of expertise in areas such as public health, graphic design, community engagement, and technological proficiency, we are well-equipped to develop holistic and impactful solutions that are relevant and impactful.

Living in the Philippines, we have firsthand experience of the country's challenges and needs, giving us an authentic understanding of the local context. Understanding the flaws and struggles of the community enables us to design meaningful solutions that directly address the pressing issues faced by the people. Our team's close proximity to the target population allows for genuine insight and empathy, fostering a deep connection with the community we aim to serve. This proximity not only shapes our approach but also instills a sense of responsibility and commitment to ensuring that our solutions are truly impactful and tailored to the specific needs of the communities we serve.

The input and ideas of the community are fundamental to our solution. Through regular consultations with local residents, health workers, and community leaders, we've absorbed invaluable insights into the prevailing healthcare challenges and the culturally embedded barriers to access. The community's agendas directly shape our design and implementation process. By embedding ourselves within the fabric of the community, we are able to align our project goals with the aspirations and priorities of the people we aim to serve. Collaborating with the community ensures that our solution is reflective of their needs and aspirations, positioning us to implement a sustainable, locally rooted intervention that resonates with the community's values and empowers them to drive ongoing change.

RISE has been integrated in two of our partner communities (the Aetas of Tarlac and Pampanga). It was launched in February earlier this year has relayed the health data of roughly 110 individuals so far. We look forward to quantifying the efficacy of this program later this year by comparing medical data from before and after implementation.

In terms of technology, integrating records (EMRs) into our healthcare efforts is crucial for enhancing service quality and patient care. However, the. Upkeep of EMR systems demand extensive knowledge and resources that may eventually be beyond what we currently have. Solves network of partners offering support in the form of software licenses and technical aid can help us tackle these challenges and streamline our healthcare operations.

Financially, as a non-profit organization operating in resource limited settings securing sufficient funding has always posed a hurdle. While we've made progress in fundraising endeavors, additional financial backing would be instrumental to the expansion of our impact and reach to underserved communities. The $10,000 prize from Solve coupled with opportunities for grants and investments offers a chance to strengthen our sustainability and grow our initiatives.

Regarding culture, establishing trust and connections with communities is vital for the success and continuity of our programs. Solves curated platforms for networking with peers focused on social impact can offer valuable insights and strategies for engaging culturally sensitively. By drawing lessons from others experiences and fostering collaborations within Solves community we can navigate intricacies more effectively and enhance our relationships, with indigenous communities.