$400K Cúram-Based Telehealth Solution for Rural Elderly Care

Implementing an AI-driven telehealth platform for elderly populations in rural Nova Scotia and Ontario requires strategic cost optimization while maintaining core functionality. Here’s how to adapt the Cúram framework within a $400K budget, prioritizing chronic disease management and accessibility.

Budget Allocation ($400K)

Category	Cost	Strategy
Platform Licensing	$120,000	Cúram SPM Essentials package + provincial healthcare module discounts
AI Integration	$90,000	Off-the-shelf diagnostic tools (e.g., TensorFlow Healthcare) with Nova Scotia Health data fine-tuning
Cloud Infrastructure	$60,000	Hybrid cloud (AWS GovCloud) + edge AI for low-bandwidth areas
Device Distribution	$80,000	Refurbished tablets with LTE (500 units @ $160/unit)
Training & Support	$30,000	Train-the-trainer model for community Health Ambassadors
Evaluation	$20,000	Minimal viable metrics tracking via Cúram Analytics

Cost-Saving Implementation Tactics

1. Lean AI Deployment

• Use pre-trained models from TensorFlow Model Garden for diabetes/hypertension prediction ().

• Implement SMS-based triage (Gotcare model) instead of full video consultations, reducing bandwidth needs by 70% ().

• Adopt Cúram’s built-in rules engine for eligibility screening instead of custom AI development.

2. Infrastructure Optimization

• Partner with Nova Scotia’s YourHealthNS and Ontario Health to leverage existing telehealth infrastructure ().

• Use edge AI processing on tablets for basic diagnostic analysis (e.g., symptom checker), minimizing cloud costs ().

3. Targeted Service Scope

• Focus on 3 priority conditions: diabetes (27% rural NS prevalence), COPD (18% rural ON), and fall risk monitoring.

• Implement Cúram’s Outcome Management module for care plans, avoiding custom workflow development.

Key Functional Components

1. AI Triage Portal

   • Symptom checker with NLU for voice/SMS input ()

   • Integration with Ontario MD’s Provider Connect for urgent referrals

2. Chronic Disease Dashboard

   • Blood glucose/pressure tracking via $15 Bluetooth devices

   • Cúram rules engine triggers alerts for abnormal readings

3. Community Health Network

   • 50 trained volunteers (senior centers/churches) handle tech onboarding

   • Monthly virtual rounds with Halifax/Dominion hospitals via existing Telehealth Network

Overcoming Budget Constraints

• Device Costs: Negotiate with Telus/Bell for $10/month LTE data plans under Canada’s Connecting Families Initiative.

• Training: Use Cúram’s free training portal for 80% of staff education, reserving funds for on-site workshops.

• AI Development: Repurpose Ontario’s open-source COVID screening algorithms for general symptom assessment.

Expected Outcomes

• 25% reduction in diabetes-related ER visits through remote monitoring ().

• 40% faster prescription renewals via Cúram-EHR integration.

• $8 saved per patient/month by replacing 10% of in-person visits with AI-optimized check-ins.

This lean implementation demonstrates how Cúram’s modular architecture enables scalable rural healthcare solutions. By focusing on core functionalities and leveraging existing provincial infrastructure, even modest budgets can deliver meaningful impact for elderly populations in remote areas.