Local Health Alert System (LHAS)

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the vulnerabilities among disease detection, health-care delivery, and supply chain responsiveness. We learned it is critical during disease outbreaks to locate and isolate cases as quickly as possible and inform the supply chain about possible upcoming demand surges. A health alert system that can accurately predict supply chain surges in real time, while respecting and protecting users’ privacy, is needed.

The team will develop the LHAS as a mobile app that will be available on iOS and Android. Built using blockchain technology, the app will allow users to securely store relevant health status and location data in their mobile devices, creating a decentralized database that protects and respects individual choice and privacy.

LHAS will provide supply chains with a real-time view of upcoming demand, or proxies thereof, allowing for better planning and time frames for the manufacture and delivery of goods. As the app matures, and data improves, the LHAS information could be integrated with manufacturers’ distribution systems.

Project outcome is the Local Health Alert System (LHAS), which is demonstrated through a proof-of-concept mobile application that transforms a smartphone into a cutting-edge tool for measuring vital health signs through video technology. The LHAS architecture, mobile application, and pilot program case study are available to MxD members.

The system’s main components are described below.

Mobile application. This is the vehicle by which users can capture and securely submit their biometric data to Presage Technologies’ backend system, which is integrated with the blockchain-based incentive rewards system. During the pilot program, users were incentivized to participate using Prysm Group’s specifications for economic incentives best suited to elicit voluntary participation in the LHAS program. Demonstration of the mobile application shown below.

Presage Technologies’ backend infrastructure. The health-related data from the mobile application is sent to Presage’s backend system, where it is stored according to HIPAA compliance requirements. Data is retained for the minimum time required by the organization using the LHAS system or by applicable data retention laws. Account management also occurs in Presage’s backend.

LHAS Administrative Dashboard. The dashboard is a privileged view of the general health readiness of the organization that is inaccessible to the average user. Only authorized users can access this dashboard and its insights and metrics. One such insight is to view all users invited along with the organization, group, or department they fall under. It is important to note that health data is not displayed for an individual user and only the aggregate health score is displayed for groups or for an organization.

Blockchain Smart Contract Application. Blockchains are immutable, meaning that no data written onto the blockchain can be altered, so they provide a source of truth of the transaction history. They provide trust and validation of digital information. Smart Contracts are applications that run on the blockchain in a secure, transparent, and verifiable manner. In LHAS, blockchain is used to track user participation and the rewards due in an irrevocable manner, which provides a trusted backbone for the system.

Demonstration of LHAS Mobile Application