AI has proven to be adept at spotting and tracking the emergence, mutation, and spread of viruses and at flagging the strains more likely to prove deadly. Dr Jennifer Dunphy, who heads population health at a large physician association, explores this and whether AI can also avert another pandemic.

Since easing its zero-COVID policy over the past two months China has weathered a tidal wave of COVID-19 infections, now thankfully ebbing. As immunity from infection and vaccines begins to wane in coming months, the country must now brace for aftershocks. Vaccinations, boosters and furnishing hospitals and clinics with adequate staff, medicine, and ICU beds will arm China to withstand future surges.

China recently ended its zero-COVID policy. Unfortunately, the ensuing wave of COVID-19 cases was worsened by the greater contagiousness of the latest strain and is overwhelming the country’s healthcare system—especially in rural areas ill-equipped for the outbreak. The situation is dire, but China can still avert damage and prepare for future viral surges.

This article is intended to inform investors of the most recent developments in healthcare technology, where I - as an expert in evaluating and using this technology - find value in virtual care platforms.

Telemedicine, although not a new phenomenon, has seen rapid, widespread adoption across the US since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many previous hurdles to this have largely been swept away, and attitudes toward telemedicine have also changed, making it more likely it is here to stay. As it evolves and improves, it is also set to become more applicable to an even broader array of medical fields.

The pandemic and economic uncertainty have taken their toll on many sectors, but healthtech is still a bright spot, with private equity firms and other investors continuing to spot promising areas of growth.

AI and technology in general have long been a double-edged sword, both praised for their benefits to society and vilified for their shortcomings and any harm they may cause. Public health expert Jennifer Dunphy takes a look at strategies to maximize technology’s benefits while limiting its harmful effects like excessive screen time.

With the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with seemingly ever-changing recommendations, restrictions, and government guidance, trying to assess one’s own personal level of risk at any given time or location can be confusing. Now, with the development of the COVID-19 calculator, people finally have a tool to cut through all the uncertainty and determine their own risk of infection accurately and flexibly.

Don’t smoke, don’t drink alcohol, eat more greens, and take more exercise has been the healthcare sector’s disease prevention mantra for over 100 years. These recommendations serve an important purpose but are long overdue for an overhaul. Jennifer Dunphy opens the door to a New Frontier of preventative science and steps inside to redress the old healthcare paradigm before disease causes harm.

One of the most effective ways to reduce healthcare costs is to prevent readmission of its high-cost patients into hospital. Jennifer Dunphy looks at the different models used to prevent these readmissions, including the area under the curve, to resolve this conundrum.

It is no surprise COVID-19 hit the US healthcare system hard. Top infectious disease experts have been sounding the alarm on a novel virus for decades, yet we were still woefully unprepared. To point a finger of blame at the US public health system is harsh. It has a thankless job, it only gets criticized and never praised, despite its sterling work keeping the public in general fit and well.

The US healthcare system continues to lose millions of dollars in avoidable inpatient care despite massive funding. To build a reliable, sustainable, and effective US healthcare system one must understand how population health breaks down into its constituents. First, a system for delivering care to many people is needed. Second, the means to build, maintain and improve the system is required. Lastly, engaging with target populations is required, those individuals receiving the care.