Artificial Intelligence and Social Media Utilization for Rural Patients with Acute Brain Conditions in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Background Despite nationwide efforts to enhance the quality of treatment for acute brain conditions in Korea, regional disparities persist due to the lack of neurology specialists and infrastructure shortcomings in rural areas. Methods We implemented two digital technologies, namely, artificial intelligence (AI)-based telemedicine and social media-based patient transfer platforms, from January 2024 to improve treatment quality for early-stage patients with various brain conditions in rural hospitals and facilitate links with regional hub hospitals. Here, we review medical records, share our experience of using digital technologies, and address current limitations and future perspectives. Results The AI-based platform was installed to facilitate collaboration between non-experts at rural hospitals and experts at hub hospitals, and the social media-based platform was adopted to improve collaboration between experts. Eight patients with a mean age of 70.7 years used the AI-based platform to facilitate accurate diagnosis and treatment. The non-experts who referred patients included general practitioners (n = 5, 62.5%), an internist (n = 1, 12.5%), and nurses (n = 2, 25.0%). The platform enabled rapid diagnosis and decision-making, and its use led to favourable outcomes. The social media-based platform was used to transfer 12 diagnosed patients. Eleven patients (91.7%) received neurocritical care, and three (25.0%) underwent surgical procedures at a hub hospital after transfer. Nine patients (75.0%) had favourable outcomes. Conclusion We suggest a novel means of reducing regional inequities in the treatment of acute brain conditions that addresses the diversity of rural medical environments. The two digital technologies implemented have helped rural hospitals respond early and facilitated inter-hospital transfer. Additional features that consider user convenience and automatic linkage of diagnosis and treatment are essential to enable the nationwide expansion of the above platforms.

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