I'm
thrilled to share an exciting news—my very first NSF proposal has been
funded!
This award is a NSF Smart and Connected Communities Planning Grant
for one year and worth $150,000 titledAdvancing
Health Equity: Integrating LLM Technology into Homeless Telehealth Services for
Chronic Disease Education. This project is a collaboration
betweenDr. Tina Gustinandme.
As communities across the United States and around the world
undergo significant transformations, the integration of rapidly evolving
intelligent technologies is reshaping how residents interact with their
environments. This era of transformation holds immense potential to enhance
well-being and prosperity, yet it also presents complex challenges at the
intersection of technology and society. Recognizing these opportunities and
challenges, the National Science Foundation
(NSF) has launched the Smart
and Connected Communities (S&CC) program to lay the groundwork for
smart communities that drive economic growth, enhance safety and security,
improve health and wellness, and ensure inclusivity and a high quality of life.
In Virginia, the urgency of addressing these challenges is
underscored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s findings:
on a single night in 2022, 6,529 individuals were experiencing
homelessness in Virginia, including 313 individuals per
night in Virginia Beach, VA
in 2023. The homeless population often faces
significant barriers to accessing consistent healthcare, leading to frequent
emergency room visits for conditions that could be more effectively managed in
a walk-in clinic. This reliance on emergency services places a heavy financial
burden on cities. Additionally, the lack of access to mobile phones limits the
ability of homeless individuals to utilize telehealth services, further
exacerbating health disparities. Limited clinic hours only add to the
challenges, making it difficult for the homeless community to receive timely
and appropriate care.
In response to these pressing issues, our NSF-funded project, TeleHSupport,
seeks to bridge the gap in healthcare access for homeless individuals by
developing an innovative telehealth solution tailored to their unique needs.
The project is a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, community
organizations, and technology experts, aimed at deploying telehealth kiosks
that address the specific challenges faced by the homeless population in
Virginia and across the United States.
TeleHSupport leverages cutting-edge technologies such as Generative
Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Models, and interactive text-based
interfaces to empower patients through accessible, self-guided care. By using
these kiosks, individuals can receive guidance on managing their health,
determine whether they need to seek medical assistance, schedule clinic
appointments, or access emergency care. The project not only improves access to
healthcare but also provides educational resources on chronic disease
management, ultimately enhancing health outcomes and reducing the financial
strain on communities.
One of the key strengths of TeleHSupport is its integration within
trusted partner facilities where homeless individuals already seek services.
This approach ensures that the kiosks are accessible in locations where the
population feels safe and supported. Through a rigorous evaluation process, we
will assess the impact of these telehealth kiosks on healthcare utilization,
health outcomes, and the overall well-being of the homeless community.
By addressing the healthcare needs of one of society’s most vulnerable populations, TeleHSupport advances health equity and contributes to the broader goal of creating smart and connected communities. This project represents a significant step forward in using technology to foster inclusive and resilient communities, ultimately improving the quality of life for all residents.
Faryaneh Poursardar (@Faryane)
* Figure is a decorative element, sourced from https://telehealth.hhs.gov/