Description:TUBERCULOSIS AWARENESS, ASSESSMENT AND ASSISTING SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is related to healthcare technology, more especially the combination of health, artificial intelligence (AI), diagnosis, awareness, and treatment of tuberculosis (TB). The present invention improves early identification, awareness, treatment adherence, and healthcare accessibility for patients with tuberculosis (TB) by utilizing AI-based tools (e.g., ML models for symptom screening, predictive analytics) and mobile/web-based platforms.
BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION:
[0002] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known, or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as of the priority date of the application. The details provided herein the background if belongs to any publication is taken only as a reference for describing the problems, in general terminologies or principles or both of science and technology in the associated prior art.
[0003] As per the WHO Report 2024: Every year, 10 million people fall ill with tuberculosis (TB). 1.5 million People die from TB each year – making it the world’s top infectious killer. TB is the leading cause of death of people with HIV and also a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance. About half of all people with TB can be found in 8 countries: India, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines and South Africa. About a one fourth of the global population is estimated to have been infected with TB bacteria. Those with weak immune systems, such as people living with HIV, malnutrition or diabetes, or people who use tobacco, have a higher risk of falling ill.
[0004] According to India's National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), a 12% annual rate of TB case decline is required; however the current rate is only 3%. The distance is still quite great as a result.
[0005] In light of the foregoing, there is a need for the Tuberculosis awareness, assessment and assisting system that overcomes problems prevalent in the prior art.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows.
[0007] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing the Tuberculosis awareness, assessment and assisting system.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide the Tuberculosis awareness, assessment and assisting system that give people the opportunity to diagnose them.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide the Tuberculosis awareness, assessment and assisting system that reduce diagnostic wait times in rural and isolated places.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide the Tuberculosis awareness, assessment and assisting system that lessen the strain on the infrastructure supporting physical health.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide the Tuberculosis awareness, assessment and assisting system that encourages the use of digital public health monitoring.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide the Tuberculosis awareness, assessment and assisting system that maintain the privacy of users data.
[0013] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0014] The present invention provides Tuberculosis awareness, assessment and assisting system that mainly focuses on design and develops a web/mobile system for tackling tuberculosis through enhanced awareness, health education, early symptom detection, and guided access to nearby health facilities. The platform also facilitates active patient tracking to help medication adherence using alerts and support for timely recovery.
[0015] The system’s focus is on the critical role that TB awareness plays in Uttarakhand state's urban, congested, slum, and rural areas through the use of system. Features like self-assessment will allow users to check for TB symptoms, which will help with early disease detection (if it exists) and direct users to the closest medical facility's geolocation for additional testing, confirmation, and treatment (if applicable). In order to prevent drug-resistant situations, the system will also offer the features of self-health evaluation and medication scheduling monitoring. Self-assessment for proactive support for the identification of the disease and guidance for the treatment. Nearby Health Facilities Geo Location Provider provides real-time geo-location technology in this feature makes it easy for users to find the closest health centres, DOTS clinics, and NTEP-certified TB treatment facilities. Interactive Medication Reminder and Regular Self Health Assessment of patients under treatment, regular alarms for medications and next health checkup, medical test etc. to reduce the TB Drug resistant and critical cases.
[0016] Govt. policies, medical and financial support for treatment of the disease. Aligned with the NTEP (National TB Elimination Program) and WHO TB Guidelines. Medication Impact Awareness educates patients about possible side effects (e.g., liver stress, nausea, skin and vision issues. Dietary Support emphasizes the role of nutrition in boosting immunity and improving drug tolerance, highlighting foods to avoid (e.g., alcohol, fried foods) and recommending nutrient-rich diets with sample meal plans for recovery.
[0017] AI based TB Symptom Checker with Chat bot UI (User Interface): Self-assessment for proactive support for the identification of the disease and guidance for the treatment.
[0018] Data security and privacy: No need for personal identity. Every piece of data is encrypted and anonymised. No storing without permission from the user.
[0019] Nearby Health Facilities: Nearby Health Facilities Geo Location Provider.
[0020] Real-time geo-location technology in this feature makes it easy for users to find the closest health centres, DOTS clinics, and NTEP-certified TB treatment facilities.
[0021] Medication Reminder: Interactive Medication Reminder and Regular Self Health Assessment of patients under treatment, regular alarms for medications and next health checkup, medical test etc. to reduce the TB Drug resistant and critical cases.
[0022] Aapki Sarkar: Govt. policies, medical and financial support for treatment of the disease. Aligned with the NTEP (National TB Elimination Program) and WHO TB Guidelines.
[0023] Tips for You: This module focuses on two key areas: Medication Impact Awareness: Educates patients about possible side effects (e.g., liver stress, nausea, skin and vision issues. Dietary Support: Emphasizes the role of nutrition in boosting immunity and improving drug tolerance, highlighting foods to avoid (e.g., alcohol, fried foods) and recommending nutrient-rich diets with sample meal plans for recovery.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[0024] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
[0025] Fig1: Block Diagram TB ASSIST SYSTEM; and
[0026] Fig2: Flow Diagram TB ASSIST SYSTEM.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[0027] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim.
[0028] As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein are solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[0029] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element, or group of elements with transitional phrases “consisting of”, “consisting”, “selected from the group of consisting of, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[0030] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, several materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0031] The present invention provides Tuberculosis awareness, assessment and assisting system.
[0032] TB is a bacterial infection that mostly affects the lungs and can also affect any part of the body. The TB bacteria generally attack the lungs, but it can also attack any part of the body such as the kidney, brain and spine. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. As a result, two TB-related conditions exist: latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease. If the disease left untreated, it can be fatal. It is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and it most often affects the lungs. TB is spread through the air when people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit. Another person needs to inhale only a few germs to become infected. [6] [WHO Report. The system will use AI & other digital feature to improve health outcomes, combat stigma, empower communities, and aid in the state of Uttarakhand's TB eradication. The project's initial phase will focus on raising awareness of the government's NTEP (National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme) in Uttarakhand's rural, urban, and crowded areas.
[0033] AI based TB Symptom Checker with Chatbot UI (User Interface): Self-assessment for proactive support for the identification of the disease and guidance for the treatment. By responding to a series of questions about symptoms, users can use this module to determine their own risk of tuberculosis. This data is processed by an integrated Machine Learning (ML) model, which provides proactive support and directs users toward early medical care by predicting the possibility of TB infection. AI-driven analysis for the early identification of suspected TB cases.
[0034] User interface: Interactive survey (risk factors, symptoms, and length). The length of the cough, weight loss, night sweats, fever, exhaustion, and exposure history are examples of inputs. The backend receives input data securely. The AI based model generates predictions, such as "Low/Medium/High Risk."
[0035] Type: Supervised classification model (such as XGBoost, Random Forest, or Logistic Regression etc.). Inputs like Demographic information and symptoms. TB risk likelihood (0–1 or classified as low, moderate, or high) is the output. Training Data: Hospital records that have been anonymised or public health datasets. Performance Indicators: ROC-AUC, Accuracy, Precision, and Recall. Interpretation and Action of the Results: Low Risk: Make recommendations for safeguards. Moderate Risk: Suggest going to a medical facility.
[0036] High Risk: Quickly locate a nearby medical facility and display NTEP/WHO guidelines. By providing a discreet, non-intrusive method of evaluating symptoms, we can lessen stigma. When TB is suspected, connect advice the users with nearest local health services.
User Flow1: The user flow may look like this: The user launches the system’s "TB Symptom Checker." User Responds to inquiries such as: Have you had a cough for longer than two weeks? Do you have a fever or nocturnal sweats? Have you lately lost weight? Have you come into contact with a known TB patient? Selects "Check Risk." After analysis, the ML model generates a forecast. The system displays the results together with the following steps (health advice, the closest NTEP-certified facility, a hotline number, etc.).
[0037] Data security and privacy: No need for personal identity. Every piece of data is encrypted and anonymised. No storing without permission from the user.
[0038] Nearby Health Facilities: Nearby Health Facilities Geo Location Provider.
[0039] Real-time geo-location technology in this feature makes it easy for users to find the closest health centers, DOTS clinics, and NTEP-certified TB treatment facilities. It helps people who are at risk for or have been confirmed with TB get the medical help they need, which improves treatment adherence and outcomes. Help people find TB treatment centers close based on where they are. Connect people who need help with getting care to facilities that have been checked out. Spread the word about the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program's (NTEP) free TB services that are backed by the government. Important Features and Functions: Location Access & Detection: Uses the GPS or IP-based location of the device. You can directly enter a city or PIN code if your location is denied. Health Facility Mapping: Displays TB treatment centers, DOTS clinics, and NTEP labs that are listed with the government.
Gets info from APIs or databases, like the NIKSHAY database in India, the Ayushman Bharat Health Directory, or the WHO directories.
[0040] Third, an interactive map and directions: the Google Maps and Mapbox APIs are working together. Easy, one-click communication: click to call the helpline at the call centers. System Design and Data Sources: Describe the Components Front end (web/mobile) Ask for permission to use GPS, search bar, list view and map view. Front end Server Geo-location API, database searches for health facilities. Data APIs site NIKSHAY, the NHP Health Directory, the WHO TB center list, and a custom admin panel.
[0041] Medication Reminder: Interactive Medication Reminder and Regular Self Health Assessment of patients under treatment, regular alarms for medications and next health checkup, medical test etc. to reduce the TB Drug resistant and critical cases.
[0042] To assist patients in regularly adhering to their treatment plan and keeping track of their health in order to increase medication adherence and lower the frequency of drug-resistant and critical TB cases. TB treatment is rigorous and prolonged, typically lasting six months or longer. Dosage misses can result in: Resistance to drugs (MDR-TB, XDR-TB). Relapse or failure of treatment. Patients frequently forget or take their medications, particularly in situations with limited resources, because: Ignorance, Adverse consequences, No reminders or support system.
[0043] Smart Medication Reminders: Personalized alerts for daily dosage scheduling according to a doctor's prescription. Alerts for notifications of: Doses in the morning and evening. Doses missed. Reminders to refill
Reminders for Health Check-Ups: Next scheduled alerts for Sputum examination, X-ray of the chest, Visits from doctors, last evaluation to ensure therapy is finished.
[0044] Aapki Sarkar: Govt. policies, medical and financial support for treatment of the disease. Aligned with the NTEP (National TB Elimination Program) and WHO TB Guidelines. Integration of Private and the Govt Facilities/Hospitals, NGO and other agencies for TB awareness/Elimination.
[0045] In complete accordance with NTEP and WHO criteria, to offer TB patients and caregivers a single digital platform to access all government policies, programs, medical and financial assistance, and details on public-private health partnerships. The significance of this feature lies in the fact that many patients are not aware of the available free treatments, financial incentives, or schemes. Treatment gaps, misdiagnosis, and delays result from a lack of collaboration between public and private healthcare. Transparency, accountability, and awareness are all aided by a centralized online platform. Important Features like1.
[0046] Policy and Scheme Explorer Easy-to-use information about: Nikshay Poshan Yojana (TB patients receive ?500 per month for nutritional support). Under NTEP, diagnosis and treatment are free. Access to DOTS centers and designated microscopy centers (DMCs) etc. Customized filtering by eligibility, treatment stage, and state/UT. Information on Public-Private Healthcare Integration. List of NGOs, private hospitals, and labs that have partnered with NTEP and are registered. WHO, Ministry of Health, and NTEP Centralized Information Feed Updates. TB awareness campaigns, advisories, and circulars. Videos that explain infection prevention, treatment procedures, and stigma reduction.
[0047] Tips for You: Treating tuberculosis (TB) involves prolonged use of strong medications that may cause side effects and impact overall health. This module focuses on two key areas: Medication Impact Awareness: Educates patients about possible side effects (e.g., liver stress, nausea, skin and vision issues), promotes early identification, guides on when to seek medical help, and offers symptom management strategies. Dietary Support: Emphasizes the role of nutrition in boosting immunity and improving drug tolerance, highlighting foods to avoid (e.g., alcohol, fried foods) and recommending nutrient-rich diets with sample meal plans for recovery.
[0048] In summary, the role of " TB Assistant: From Awareness to Action: A Tuberculosis Awareness, Assessment and Assisting System " lies in leveraging web technology and machine learning techniques to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility of TB disease diagnosis, timely medical support, facilitating proactive management of the disease and ultimately improving patient health and may support in the Govt.’s NTEP (National TB Elimination Program).
[0049] To offer TB patients, caregivers, and the public straightforward, useful, and customized advice for successful prevention, treatment, recovery, and stigma reduction. These suggestions will increase everyday awareness, strengthen treatment compliance, and aid in the fight to eradicate tuberculosis at the community level. Some of the tips are as follows: In enclosed or busy areas, use a mask. Make sure that homes and workplaces have adequate ventilation. Even if a patient feel better, never stop taking your prescription. Every day, take your medications at the same time. Eat foods high in nutrients (proteins, vitamins) and drink lots of water. To strengthen your lungs, practice deep breathing. Don't feel humiliated; tuberculosis is curable.
[0050] The disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein.
[0051] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully revealed the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein. , C , Claims:We Claim:
1) A tuberculosis awareness, assessment and assisting system, the system comprising:
- an artificial intelligence-based TB symptom checker integrated with a chatbot interface configured for user-initiated self-assessment through interactive questionnaires on symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss;
- a machine learning backend module adapted to classify the TB risk level as low, medium, or high based on user input and trained on anonymized medical datasets;
- a geolocation-enabled health facility mapper adapted to identify and display nearby DOTS centers and NTEP-certified TB treatment facilities based on real-time user location;
- a medication reminder module configured to generate personalized notifications for scheduled drug intake, test appointments, and treatment milestones;
- a government policy integration module adapted to provide access to government schemes, incentives, and public-private partnership information for TB patients;
- a dietary and medication awareness module designed to educate users on medication side effects, suitable diet plans, and lifestyle modifications for improving immunity and treatment efficacy; and
- a data privacy framework configured to operate the entire system without collecting personally identifiable data unless explicitly permitted, ensuring encryption and anonymization of all user inputs.
2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the AI-based TB symptom checker further comprises an interactive questionnaire interface for collecting user data including symptoms, exposure history, and demographic details, and wherein said data is processed using a supervised machine learning model selected from XGBoost, Random Forest, or Logistic Regression algorithms to predict TB risk.
3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the geolocation-enabled health facility mapper uses device GPS or IP-based location tracking to provide visual mapping and navigation directions to the nearest verified TB treatment centers, DOTS clinics, or diagnostic facilities integrated via APIs from databases.
4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the medication reminder module is configured to issue alert notifications for each prescribed dose based on doctor's scheduling, and further provides alerts for diagnostic reviews such as sputum tests, X-rays, and physical evaluations to minimize treatment interruption and drug resistance.
5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the government policy integration module is further configured to dynamically display government health schemes such as Nikshay Poshan Yojana, free diagnosis and treatment programs, and lists of partner hospitals and NGOs, based on the user’s geographical and treatment profile.
6) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dietary and medication awareness module is adapted to present curated content on side effect management, recommended food types, hydration, lung exercises, and behavioral guidance to promote treatment adherence and reduce stigma associated with TB.
7) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data privacy framework comprises end-to-end encryption, anonymized data handling, and explicit user consent protocols, and is configured to operate critical functions like symptom checking and facility mapping without requiring permanent user identification.