MOBILE AI-BASED CARDIOVASCULAR CLINIC: BRIDGING CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH NEEDS IN CONFLICT-PRONE REGIONS

Background Artificial Intelligence Cardiovascular Clinic was a novel concept we introduced to reduce disparities in cardiovascular care among rural dwellers in our region through mass screening using AI-enabled imaging and direct specialist care.

Aims To determine how a mobile-based AI clinic can aid cardiovascular care delivery and strengthen primary healthcare in conflict-prone regions

Method The proposal is designed to be a health intervention for conflict-prone regions in Nigeria. A vehicle- or air-based clinic that delivers cardiovascular services using AI-enhanced tools to communities is proposed. Services will include AI-enabled chatbots, chest radiographs, AI-ECGs, AI-wearable devices with remote telemonitoring capabilities, cardiovascular health education, blood pressure checks and medications. Primary healthcare workers will be incorporated as the primary workforce and key links in patient monitoring.

Discussion We discuss the lessons learnt from our team’s community-based AI-enabled cardiovascular screening and AI use in clinical cardiology. We propose a dynamic AI clinic model and how it can aid system strengthening in primary health care. We also highlight similar models in humanitarian aid and healthcare delivery for non-cardiovascular issues, as well as the possible weaknesses of this model. Finally, we discuss how AI can improve cardiovascular health literacy, self-care, reduce cardiovascular-related morbidities, and improve cardiovascular practice in primary health care, especially in conflict-prone areas.

Conclusion A dynamic clinic model may be a reliable means of delivering cardiovascular care in conflict-prone zones and aiding system strengthening in primary care.