2. The problem
Overburdened Healthcare Systems
Global Disparities: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least half of the world's population lacks access to essential health services. Rural and remote areas are particularly affected due to a shortage of healthcare professionals and facilities[^7]. In many areas where access is available, the healthcare system is often overburdened leading to unacceptably long wait times, poor quality of care, and patients often falling through the cracks.
Hesitancy to Engage with the Healthcare System: Many individuals delay seeking medical care due to prior negative experiences, such as feeling rushed, unheard or dismissed by their doctors. Additionally, the awareness of long wait times to see specialists discourages people from seeking appointments early on. As a result, people often choose to wait in the hope that their symptoms will resolve on their own. This hesitation frequently leads to increased anxiety or pain and, in many cases, worsened symptoms by the time professional care is finally sought.
Delayed Diagnoses: Late detection of diseases leads to poorer health outcomes in the long term and higher healthcare costs.
Currently Utilized Resources
Suboptimal User Experience: When faced with a health concern, many individuals turn to internet searches or platforms like WebMD, which alone attracts over 100 million users per month [^8]. However, these tools often lead to a frustrating and time-consuming process. Users frequently report spending hours or even days sifting through information about potential diagnoses, juggling multiple tabs, and feeling overwhelmed by the volume of content.
Outdated Tools and Approaches: Despite significant advancements in artificial intelligence, many existing platforms fail to integrate modern capabilities. Users are unable to leverage tools that accommodate various data types, such as uploading photos, recording cough sounds, or sharing lab results. These limitations prevent individuals from accessing more tailored and actionable health insights.
Anxiety-Inducing Information Overload: Platforms like WebMD often present users with lists of potential conditions, including rare and life-threatening illnesses. This approach can unnecessarily heighten fear and anxiety [^9]. Many of these conditions could be easily ruled out through a series of targeted follow-up questions, sparing users from undue worry and stress.
Lack of awareness and access to AI health solutions
Awareness and adoption: The public is now aware of the large AI platforms and use them for creative writing, querying information, idea generation, etc. Broad adoption is happening and awareness of the value of these platform is there. In comparison, there is still no large platform for health AI and awareness of the existence and value of these tools is limited in comparison.
Isolated Solutions: AI health tools are often developed in silos, with single tools being developed for a single use-case/disease. Such niche tools individually lack visibility with the general public and could benefit from being aggregated together.
App fatigue: People are overwhelmed from the number of Apps on their devices and are reticent to download more. Especially Apps with a limited use case. This may lead many digital health apps to have a small number of users and low use reoccurrence and engagement.
Accessibility Issues: Proprietary platforms restrict access to those who can afford them, leaving vulnerable populations underserved.
Data Privacy Concerns
Exploitation of Health Data: Users' health data is often collected without proper consent and used for commercial gain[^10].
Lack of Ownership: Individuals rarely have control over their personal health data or directly benefit from its use[^11,12,13].
The Mental Health Crisis
Rising Prevalence: Mental health conditions are increasing globally, with depression and anxiety leading causes of disability[^14].
Access Barriers: Stigma, lack of resources, and insufficient mental health professionals limit access to care[^15].
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