Aga Khan University unveils CoronaCheck self-screening app

The app will help evaluate symptoms of coronavirus and bust misconceptions about the global pandemic

KARACHI: The Aga Khan University has launched a new mobile application, 'CoronaCheck', enabling people to safely evaluate coronavirus symptoms with an in-home screening tool of the application.

The application also provides guidelines for people to look after themselves if they are having any sort of symptoms of the highly contagious disease.

According to an official statement, the app uses an interactive chatbot, driven by artificial intelligence, which allows users to understand their symptoms and recognise whether they may have contracted COVID-19 or not. With the app providing help promptly, it also aims to identify potential coronavirus carriers and limit their risk of transmission.

By reducing the need for suspected patients to visit hospitals for screening, the app will also contribute to curb the burden on the healthcare system and ensure care for those most in need.

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CoronaCheck has been jointly developed by the Aga Khan University Hospital, whose clinical faculty advised on the development of the screening algorithm, and AKU’s Technology Innovation Support Centre, TISC, which provided the technological expertise for the app.

“The coronavirus has placed the country’s healthcare system under tremendous strain with frontline healthcare professionals already working around the clock,” said Saleem Sayani, director of AKU’s TISC.

“Through this app, we hope to share useful tips that can prevent new cases and provide reassurance to worried citizens during a time of widespread concern.”
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The tool has been adopted from the Alberta Health Services and modified to meet the local context and the evolving epidemiology of the disease.

The app 'CoronaCheck' also seeks to tackle myths and misconceptions by featuring educational videos in Urdu, to combat the increasing amount of unverified information circulating on social media platforms.

It also includes authentic information on best practices to protect oneself from infection, advice on self-assessment, and precautions and guidance on physical distancing recommended by the World Health Organisation and national health ministries.

CoronaCheck can be downloaded from the Google Play Store