ScolioSynch

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional lateral (sideways) curve more than 10°, often associated with spinal rotation. It is prevalent across various age groups and demographics, with higher incidence during rapid growth periods, making early detection crucial.  Without timely intervention, the deformity may progress, deteriorate and significantly impact the quality of life causing disability, one of the most pressing global health challenges, and, in severe cases, cardiopulmonary failure and death. 

The challenges comprise: 

1. Limited access to advanced diagnostic tools - Many people face challenges in accessing advanced diagnostic tools for scoliosis detection. Traditional diagnostic methods may be limited or unavailable in certain regions or healthcare facilities, leading to delays in identifying and addressing scoliosis at an early stage.

2. Insufficient expertise in scoliosis diagnosis - The scarcity of healthcare professionals with expertise in scoliosis diagnosis contributes to delays and inaccuracies in detection. Limited training opportunities and resources hinder the development of specialized skills required for early identification, leading to missed opportunities for timely intervention.

3. Cost barriers to early diagnosis - Affordability remains a significant barrier to early scoliosis diagnosis. The costs associated with diagnostic procedures and expert consultations can deter individuals from seeking timely medical attention. As a result, financial constraints become a hindrance to accessing crucial diagnostic services, leading to delayed detection and potentially more severe health outcomes.

Addressing these challenges will have a huge impact on improving outcomes for those affected by scoliosis and ensuring a better quality of life for vulnerable populations worldwide. 

The ScolioSynch Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning (AI/ML) Powered Scoliosis Detection System is a pioneering healthcare solution. This cutting edge system seeks to revolutionize scoliosis care, offering routine, early, and accurate diagnosis. Seamlessly integrating into healthcare workflows, it empowers both professionals and patients, encouraging proactive and personalized care. With advanced algorithms ensuring accessibility, the system breaks down barriers to scoliosis detection, contributing in the advancement of spinal healthcare on a global scale. 

ScolioSynch Tech Solutions

1. Incorporate a Comprehensive Database Integration of the Scoliosis Research Society SRS-22r Patient  Questionnaires

Benefits:

- Comprehensive Assessment 

- Patient-Centric

- Standardized tool for measuring outcomes

- Treatment Evaluation

- Research and Clinical Trials

- Facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers

- Longitudinal monitoring of patients

- Quality Improvement

2. Integrate Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (HL7® FHIR®) Model Integration

Benefits:

- Increased Data Exchange and Interoperability

- Improved Efficiency

- Enhanced Patient-Centered Care

- Facilitating Innovation and App Development

- Compliance with regulations

3. Apply an Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning (AI/ML) Model leveraging the Liquid Neural Networks (LNN, Daniela Rus, et al MIT, 2023)

Benefits:

- Real-time decision-making capabilities

- Respond quickly to a wide range of data distributions

- Resilient and able to filter out anomalous or noisy data

- More interpretability than a black-box machine learning algorithm

- Reduced computational costs

Children, constituting a vulnerable demographic, face significant challenges, with 31.4% of the Philippine population belonging to economically disadvantaged families.  A study on the worldwide prevalence of adolescent idiopathic (cause is  unknown) scoliosis (AIS) with a Cobb angle above 10° has been reported to vary from 0.93 to 12%. There are 1.3 billion adolescents in the world today making up 16% of the world’s population and nearly 240 million children with disabilities around the globe. 

In the Philippines we have a big dilemma. Scoliosis is a neglected condition. An estimated 1.1M to 13.6M Filipino adolescents have scoliosis. There is no clear information, support and social system from the government. Due to poor awareness, late detection, lack of access to health services, and cost prohibitive medical treatment patients suffer.

Burden of Patients

Physical Health

• Pain and Discomfort: Scoliosis may lead to back pain, muscle imbalances, and discomfort.
• Restricted Mobility: Severe curvature can restrict movement and affect overall mobility.
• Breathing Difficulties: Severe cases may compress the lungs, leading to respiratory challenges.

Psychosocial

• Psychological Distress: Coping with a chronic condition can contribute to psychological distress, including anxiety and depression.
• Body Image Concerns: Visible deformities can contribute to self-esteem issues and body image concerns, especially during adolescence.
• Social Stigma: Individuals with scoliosis may face societal misconceptions or discrimination.

Socio-economic

• Cost prohibitive medical expenses and treatment: Bracing, surgery, physical therapy, and regular check-ups can become a significant economic strain for affected individuals and their families.
• Discrimination in the workplace: Discrimination can impact career advancement opportunities, job security, and overall professional well-being.
• Productivity loss: Frequent medical appointments, treatment sessions, and surgery are potential periods of reduced work capacity contribute to a decrease in overall productivity both for patients and their carers.

Our team is deeply passionate about this project, having firsthand experience with the challenges of scoliosis. With our collaborative approach, commitment to social impact, and adaptability, we possess the necessary qualities to design and deliver ScolioSynch effectively. We are confident in our ability to create a solution that significantly improves the lives of individuals with scoliosis while advancing universal healthcare coverage and addressing the Sustainable Development Goals. Particularly, Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, at all ages, resonates strongly with our mission.

Health and well-being are vital at every stage of life, from infancy onward. With over 40,000 members nationwide across 17 regional chapters engaging in regular meetups and activities, our team is already utilizing an existing app (original version). SCOLIOSynch represents a substantial upgrade from the original app, with our nationwide chapters serving as channels for deploying SCOLIOSynch.

In the Philippines, we face a significant dilemma: there is a lack of clear information, support, and social systems from the government. Due to poor awareness, late detection, limited access to health services, and prohibitive medical treatment costs, patients suffer disability, financial burdens, social stigma, and risks of surgical complications such as paralysis, infection, pneumonia, blood transfusion, and even death due to heart and lung failure.

The ScolioSynch system is currently in its conceptual stage, aimed at addressing these challenges with a robust framework, business model, and management assurances firmly in place.

Solve's support can significantly help in the development of ScolioSynch by facilitating its widespread adoption and impact in revolutionizing scoliosis care. By providing access to grants and investment opportunities, Solve enables us to scale up the implementation and adoption of the system.

Moreover, with its extensive reach, Solve can assist us in developing and optimizing AI algorithms, raising awareness, and reducing stigma associated with scoliosis through advocacy campaigns and educational initiatives. These efforts are essential for promoting early detection and treatment of scoliosis.

Additionally, as a future Solver, the program can offer strategic guidance in identifying target markets, developing effective marketing strategies, and fostering partnerships with healthcare providers and organizations to promote the adoption of ScolioSynch.

With its AI powered system, streamlined workflow integration, personalized treatment plans, comprehensive support, and global accessibility, ScolioSynch stands as a cutting-edge, innovative solution revolutionizing the field of scoliosis care.

ScolioSynch is deeply rooted to improve the quality of life for scoliosis patients. By facilitating early detection, delivering personalized treatment, and providing comprehensive support, ScolioSynch aims to mitigate the long-term impact of the condition on both patients and society as a whole. With its holistic approach to scoliosis care, the system will give access and empower patients to pursue fulfilling lives, free from burdens and social stigma. 

The ScolioSynch is an AI/ML Powered Scoliosis Detection System designed as an accessible solution aimed at addressing early detection, accurate diagnosis, and timely treatment within the framework of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a key component of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda.

The SDG-3 UHC embodies the vision that all individuals should have access to high-quality health services, regardless of their socioeconomic status, geographic location, or other barriers. It aligns with the goal of ensuring that everyone can receive the care they need, when and where they need it, without facing financial hardship. Furthermore, UHC contributes to broader societal objectives, such as promoting social inclusion, equality, poverty alleviation, economic growth, and upholding human dignity.

Our impact goals for the ScolioSynch solution are multi-faceted and include:

1. Early Detection: Increase the rate of early detection of scoliosis cases through the implementation of ScolioSynch technology in healthcare facilities globally.

2. Improved Patient Outcomes: Enhance patient outcomes by reducing the progression of scoliosis, minimizing complications, and improving overall quality of life for individuals living with the condition.

3. Increased Access to Care: Improve access to scoliosis detection and treatment, particularly in underserved communities and regions with limited healthcare resources.

4. Awareness and Education: Raise awareness about scoliosis, its early detection, and the importance of timely intervention through educational initiatives and advocacy campaigns.

To measure our progress towards these impact goals, we employ various metrics and evaluation methods:

1. Tracking Early Detection Rates: We monitor the number of scoliosis cases detected at an early stage through ScolioSynch technology, comparing it to historical data to assess improvements over time.

2. Patient Outcomes Metrics: We collect data on patient outcomes, including changes in spinal curvature, reduction in symptoms, and improvements in quality of life, to evaluate the effectiveness of ScolioSynch in improving patient care.

3. Access Metrics: We assess the geographical reach of ScolioSynch implementation, tracking the number of healthcare facilities adopting the technology and the populations served, particularly in underserved areas.

4. Awareness and Education Impact: We measure the reach and engagement of our awareness and education initiatives through metrics such as website traffic, social media interactions, event attendance, and survey feedback.

By regularly monitoring these metrics and evaluating our progress, we can continuously refine and improve the ScolioSynch solution to maximize its impact on individuals with scoliosis and the broader healthcare community.

The core technology that powers ScolioSynch is a sophisticated blend of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms, coupled with advanced medical imaging technology.

1. AI and ML Algorithms: ScolioSynch utilizes AI and ML algorithms to analyze medical imaging data, such as X-rays or MRIs, with remarkable accuracy and efficiency. These algorithms are trained on vast datasets of scoliosis cases, allowing them to recognize patterns, anomalies, and indicators of scoliosis in medical images. By continuously learning from new data inputs, the algorithms can adapt and improve over time, enhancing the precision of scoliosis detection and diagnosis.

2. Medical Imaging Technology: ScolioSynch integrates with existing medical imaging systems to access and analyze patient scans. It leverages state-of-the-art imaging technology to capture detailed images of the spine, enabling the AI algorithms to perform comprehensive assessments of spinal curvature, rotation, and other relevant parameters associated with scoliosis.

3. Cloud-Based Architecture: ScolioSynch operates on a cloud-based architecture, allowing for seamless data storage, processing, and accessibility. This architecture enables healthcare providers to securely upload patient scans to the cloud, where the AI algorithms can analyze them rapidly and efficiently. Additionally, cloud-based deployment ensures scalability, flexibility, and accessibility, making ScolioSynch accessible to healthcare facilities worldwide.

4. Integration with Healthcare Systems: ScolioSynch is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing healthcare systems and electronic health records (EHR) platforms. This integration enables healthcare providers to incorporate ScolioSynch into their existing workflows, streamlining the process of scoliosis detection, diagnosis, and treatment planning. By integrating with healthcare systems, ScolioSynch ensures interoperability and compatibility, enhancing its usability and adoption in clinical settings.

Overall, the core technology behind ScolioSynch represents a state-of-the-art approach to scoliosis detection and diagnosis, leveraging AI, ML, and advanced medical imaging technology to improve patient care and outcomes.

Our Core Team - 4 with 1 Full Time 

Our Experts - 10 Contractors

Scoliosis Philippines Support Group Inc. (Scoliosis Philippines), in collaboration with the 3rd Philippine Datathon 2023 Team "Backbend Detectives," using the dataset collected from our mobile app presented the Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning (AI/ML) Powered Scoliosis Detection System. This innovative solution is designed to facilitate early detection, precise diagnosis, and prompt treatment, aligning with the principles of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The Datathon took place from September 29 to October 1, 2024, at De La Salle University, Manila. This initiative was part of a global series of datathons co-organized by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in collaboration with local partners.

ScolioSynch is committed to upholding diversity, actively removing barriers to opportunity for staff, and nurturing a warm and inclusive atmosphere for all team members. We aim to conduct training sessions to dispel unconscious biases and their effects on decision-making processes, especially in recruitment, promotion, and project assignments. Additionally, we ensure that every team member has equitable access to professional development, career advancement, and leadership roles by implementing transparent promotion criteria and mentorship programs.

To cater to the diverse needs of our team and facilitate their full participation, we plan to offer flexible work arrangements. Moreover, we prioritize accessibility by guaranteeing that physical workspaces, digital platforms, and communication channels are accessible to individuals with disabilities. We foster a culture of transparent communication and active listening, inviting all team members to voice their ideas, concerns, and feedback freely.

Continual assessment and enhancement of our efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion are anchored in our mission. We will conduct regular assessments and seek feedback from team members and stakeholders, using these insights to implement targeted interventions that address areas for improvement. This commitment ensures our dedication to fostering an inclusive work environment where every individual feels valued and respected.

ScolioSynch plans to generate revenue through a combination of sustainable donations and grants, selling products or services, and potentially securing service contracts with governments or healthcare organizations. We will actively seek donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations who are passionate about supporting our mission to improve scoliosis detection and treatment. Additionally, we will pursue grants from government agencies, non-profit organizations, and research institutions that fund healthcare initiatives, medical research, and technological innovation in these premise:

• Continuously innovate and improve our scoliosis detection and monitoring technology to meet the evolving needs of healthcare providers and patients.
• Offer a subscription-based model for access to our AI-powered scoliosis detection system, providing ongoing support and updates.
• Implement a tiered pricing structure for our products and services, offering different packages based on the needs and budget of healthcare providers.
• Provide customization and integration services to tailor our technology to the specific requirements of healthcare organizations and systems.
• Offer data analytics and reporting services to healthcare providers, delivering insights and trends related to scoliosis detection and patient outcomes.
• Provide comprehensive training and support services for healthcare professionals using our technology, ensuring effective implementation and utilization.
• Collaborate with other healthcare organizations, research institutions, and technology companies to expand our reach and enhance the effectiveness of our solutions.
• Offer regulatory compliance and quality assurance services to ensure that our technology meets the highest standards of safety and efficacy.

In the long term, we anticipate that these revenue streams will cover our expected expenses, including research and development costs, operational expenses, and investments in growth and expansion. As we continue to innovate and demonstrate the effectiveness of our solutions, we expect to attract additional funding opportunities and partnerships that will further support our mission and sustainability. For more information please visit ScolioSynch Pitch Deck. We thank you in advance for the opportunity and support. We look forward to working with you in this meaningful project.