PAN-TRACK

In Trinidad & Tobago, Health care workers rely on paper medical records and coordinate care by "playing phone tag" with other departments. Our objective is to digitally integrate health data from all facilities so real time data is acquired which will lead to accurate and timely responses. 

We are proposing an electronic data acquisition and tracking system. Electronic data acquisition will allow automatic access to data by all Health Facilities. In addition, health care workers will be alerted if a patient has symptoms or signs suggesting a public health threat. The tracking system will monitor the condition of patients flagged during data acquisition. This will improve health system modelling on both a mass level and a professional level. The all round sphere will allow policy makers to track trends and make the best decisions for health security.

If this is scaled globally, individuals will have better quality health care.

Presently in Trinidad & Tobago and the Caribbean, the medical record system is archaic. There is limited digital integration and an ineffective tracking system among health facilities in the region. As a result, over 43 million persons in the Caribbean inclusive of 1.3 million in Trinidad & Tobago are adversely affected.

Consequently this poses a problem with accessing and tracking data from Medical facilities across Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean.

Our software will improve the response of health systems to pandemics. Pan-Track is a digital platform which allows users to log information and allows access to authorized personnel. Additionally Pan-Track will generate trends and track health issues in an effort to reduce the potential of an outbreak, thus ensuring global health security.

Our solution is a platform (PAN-TRACK) that will collect health data, alert health care workers if a patient has symptoms or signs suggesting a public health threat and track patients flagged during data acquisition.

It works by capturing medical data by use of the PAN-TRACK App (via smart device) or PAN-TRACK Software Front-end (via a PC). This data is fed to a cloud server for archiving, real time processing and relay of information to relevant authorities.

The technology can utilize pre-existing Smart Devices, Personal Computers, Artificial Intelligence and Data Models to process data by employing A.I. based algorithms and data models to formulate strategies and determine trends. 

Our concept allows creation of individual profiles where demographics and symptoms are recorded. Symptoms will be matched in a "warning database" and patients are flagged and alerted to take preventative steps. Also, data collection is centralized allowing ease of generation of statistical data and trends. Real-time data is accessible thus proving beneficial to users in all spheres.

The various target populations are as follows:

• Medical Personnel

• Government

• The Individual and by extent the Community

Impact of solution:

This system will permit more efficient recording and tracking of symptoms and cases. Data fed into this system will:

(1) aid in diagnosis using a knowledge-based algorithm,

(2) identify trends using data models

(3) provide raw data to the respective agencies.

All of which can now be organized in a prompt manner to minimize impacts. When this is achieved, the relevant (regional) health agencies can use the data acquired to guide improved decision making with regards to Global Health Security. The platform has individual and community reach, thus allowing citizens to be aware of the level of the outbreak and what their personal precautions should entail-thus limiting the spread.

To understand the needs of the target audience, sample questionnaires and random focus groups will be done. This will provide information on what is expected from the system and better provide them with needs specific to their level and highlight the importance and benefit to them.

When there is insufficient data on a health issue being transmitted slowly or not at all, it prevents neighbouring countries from being aware of the situation and by extension being unable to address the issue thus negatively impacting on Global Health Security.

Our solution serves to target governments, medical personnel and the general population. Having immediate access to crucial data will go a long way in making informed decisions. Also the general population can be made aware of what necessary precautions they need to take to ensure their personal safety.

The PAN-TRACK platform is universal and inclusive. Anyone can access and contribute to its development. It isn't exclusive to medical personnel or government workers.

Our potential competitors are Facebook and WebMD. Though there are many distinct differences, their platforms are related to that of PAN-TRACK. 

Facebook's software is one of data acquisition. Medical professionals input various symptoms into an expert system which generates an accurate and quick diagnosis. 

WebMD's software is one of a data diagnosis repository. Similar to Facebook's software, symptoms are recorded in the system and a diagnosis is suggested. 

PAN-TRACK will be unique to the Caribbean, have a far reach and impact many lives for the better. The economic standards of the Caribbean do not conform to that of "first-world" status. As a result, to ensure maximum usability, no cost is attached to downloading and/or using the platform.

One of the key innovations of the platform is that is capable of providing a multi-tiered approach in the dissemination of information to the different levels of the country

1. General Population: Can retrieve information specifically tailored to their situation in a more timely an efficient manner

2. Medical Personnel: Can efficiently capture raw data quickly to localize and correlate towards providing meaningful solutions.

3. Government: Based on feedback provided from medical personnel, information can be relayed towards the government which can take the necessary measures such as broadcasting of relevant information to the public thus increasing the health security.

Our Solution incorporates existing technology such as: Smart Devices, Personal Computers, Cloud Servers, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Modelling, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Internet, Online Messaging Systems, Push-notifications and E-mails.

The platform will be capable of capturing data via Smart Devices and/or personal computers. This data will be transmitted via the internet to cloud servers. This raw data will be processed into useable products and information with the aid of AI, Data Modelling and GIS. Information is sent from the servers (cloud) to the relevant parties (eg. Ministry of Health, CMOH's) for their action. The general population will be able to retrieve information specific to their situation via e-mails, online messaging systems and push notifications.

Governments already use platforms to send out push-notifications, and emails to inform the general public in the case of police matters or inclement weather.

Facebook utilizes a multitude of technologies such as E-mails, AI, GIS and Push Notifications. Facebook provides targeted advertisements to its users based on browser search history and geographical location.

Online collaborative tools such as google drive and microsoft one drive utilize cloud servers for storage and sharing of information.

E-mail is considered to be a universally accepted technology and proven to be cross platform compatible (eg. where persons who have a gmail account can send and receive emails from other servers such as outlook or yahoo)

In meteorological and climate change applications, data modelling systems are widely used to help predict weather patterns.

The health care system in Trinidad and Tobago need an electronic data acquisition programme to assist with recording of health data and tracking of patients flagged by the system as having symptoms that pose a threat to public health.

The intervention will benefit all users of the platform:

1. The General Population can retrieve information that is specific to them in a more timely manner.

2. The Medical Personnel can efficiently capture raw data to localize with respect to their region (or county) and correlate this towards providing meaningful solutions to surrounding districts.

3. Governments around the world can give feedback to their respective general population which is provided by medical personnel via the platform.

In the general population, we need to change our general negative attitude when it involves new and unknown technology. Far too many times when a new technology is put in place for the betterment of mankind it is greeted with scepticism and unwillingness, such as the current on-going hesitation with respect to the implementation of 5G networks. So therefore, we need to grow as population to embrace the importance of this technology and how it can help to change our livelihood and our common practices that we take for granted. 

The entire global community should learn to embrace this change. From the Government all the way down to the citizen, everyone needs to embrace the importance of what this platform has to offer and how it will impact on their lives with respect to early detection of potential health threats. The end goal of the platform serves to make the general population more self-aware about their personal health so that the health care system is not overwhelmed.

Currently serving: The project is currently in its conceputalization phase as a result only the current team members (comprising of 8 persons) are involved at this stage.

 Within One Year: The platform will serve approximately 750,000 people of the population of Trinidad and Tobago. Minors (0yrs-17yrs) who should not have access to smart devices and the Older population who are technologically challenged have been omitted.

Within Five Years: Through the collaborative work with the 19 Caricom Member States we hope that modular roll out of the platform can occur reaching over 25 million people (approximately).

Our goal is to revolutionize data acquisition in the health sector and tracking of persons flagged as a threat to public health in Trinidad & Tobago.  We plan to develop PAN-TRACK, a universal and inclusive platform that allows persons to access and contribute health data.

It is projected that within the first year, the platform should have a wide data collection through increased use of the platform. This in turn will hopefully begin to lead to a reduction in the number of cases of reoccurring health issues. Continuous feedback, assessment and evaluation of the platform within its first year is imperative to ensure validity.

After five years it is hoped that the platform is able to reach beyond the Caribbean Region to other countries via the involvement of the United Nations and the World Health Organisation. It is hoped that trends can be identified in different regions.

Our team hopes to achieve our goal through the use of our organisation, RSC International. They will assist with technical support and help raise awareness of the importance of the product being developed through collaboration with other NGO's and like-minded entities which can help to raise awareness of the platform and encourage its use.

The following are possible barriers that our team may encounter when trying to accomplish our goals:

1. Access to funding - The cost to design and build the software platform, server hosting fees and other related costs.

2. Willingness of General Population to agree to inputting their information to be monitored - Some persons may question the security of the platform to ensure data privacy and confidentiality.

3. Internet Availability - In some countries, internet coverage is still very limited and in some cases, considered to be a luxury and not a necessity. This may hamper data collection progress and relay of correspondents.

4. Evolution of Technology Standards - Operating systems of smart devices and personal computers continue to be updated. Therefore the platform would need to be updated continuously to ensure its security and compatibility with the devices.

Some plans to overcome the barriers previously stated are:

1. Seeking Funding/Sponsorship from private and/or government organisations. Volunteerism of technical expertise and use of "Opensource" Resources to create, monitor and maintain the platform. Partnerships can be developed with other organisations that have required assets.

2. Proper advertising and campaigning of the platform to show how it works and why it is important. Independent verification of the platform will be done to ensure data privacy and confidentiality. Investment in server security and integrity would also be paramount. Properly formulated End User License Agreement and Terms of Service. Transparency with regards to data collection (who has access to the data).

3. Collaboration with Governments and ISPs to improve internet coverage throughout their respective regions. Zero Data Agreement with ISPs. Sponsorship from corporate entities to provide internet hotspots in rural regions. 

4. Developing and Maintaining relationships with organisations that are in charge of keeping software standards for the various platforms.

Raj Ramdass - 1-868-474-3280

Kevin Khan - 1-868-715-6052

Patrica Maharaj - 1-868-752-1255

Anjali Ramkeesoon - 1-868-324-1378

Danara Sahadeo - 1-868-749-9715

Stephen McPhee- 1-242-808-0706

Danual Bridgemohan - 1-868-460-3810

Yuva Roopchansingh - 1-868-760-4110

The team is comprised of diverse individuals who represent a wide area of civil society. who are hard working and supportive of each other and the common goal.

Team members include business leaders, educators, scientists, systems analysts and students. Each can bring their individual strengths and experiences in their related fields of expertise in any effort to overcome the challenges of delivering this solution. Our team also has a good gender balance. Our team members are also very different in personalities which results in a very cohesive team.

Most importantly, each member of our team has respect for each other and for their views and opinions. Each member is driven by personal passion for this solution and for our team spirit and morale are high.

RSC has partnerships with many other organisations including other NGOs and government agencies, corporate entities, religious and community based organisations and educational associations and institutions. Some of these include Trinidad and Tobago Medical Students Association, Rotary Clubs in Trinidad and Tobago, Soroptimists International and others.

RSC has had past collaborations with many other organisations including Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Service Industries, Trinidad and Tobago Multistakeholder Advisory Group, Trinidad and Tobago Medical Association, Caribbean Telecommunications Union and Trinidad and Tobago Computer Society.

In partnership with the Caribbean Association of Principals of Secondary Schools, RSC promotes the development and support of technology clubs in schools and tertiary institutions throughout the Caribbean. To date RSC has clubs in Trinidad, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Kitts and Nevis, Belize, the Bahamas and Costa Rica. These are known as RSC Tech Clubs

Our business model will focus on non profit activities and modular design and roll out of features. All operations will be conducted online in an effort to reduce cost and reduce our carbon footprint. 

Financials sustainability will be achieved using a number of proven processes including partnerships with individuals, entities and organisations.

Individual contributions using online payment technologies like Paypal and Patreon and GoFundMe.

Corporate entities who are seeking to fulfil their corporate social responsibility and where their ethos aligns with those of PAN-TRACK.

Support from other NGOs whose funded projects may have overlapping ideals and PAN-TRACK can be used to support their efforts.

PAN-TRACK is a revolutionary concept which will benefit humanity significantly if taken to development. Many lives can be saved by use of the platform to determine trends and give relevant information to medical personnel and government. Economically, pandemics have been shown to affect the vulnerable and at risk communities more significantly than other groups in society. Loss of income from pandemics by this sector of society can be a "make or break" scenario for them.

Partnering with Solve will allow us to expand our capabilities and contribute to the health security challenge in a hands on form. This will give us the necessary guidance to make PAN-TRACK a reality.

The financial challenge of this solution is most critical to the success of the project. Funding for startup cost (purchase of equipment, internet bandwidth, professional services of technology specialists, etc) will go a long way to overcoming these hurdles.

We would like to partner with organisations that can provide technical expertise to assist with data analysis, coding, internet development and communication technology.

PAN-TRACK greatly reduces the exposure of health workers and first responders to pandemics by arming them with the relevant information to better prepare themselves to go into infected communities.

Our platform relies heavily on AI to produce tangible information and trends to support the larger goal of Health Security

Women and Girls are at a significant risk in the region to pandemics as they are often not allowed to be education on issues and to make decisions for themselves.

Trinidad and Tobago has become a haven for refugees escaping the situation in Venezuela.