Digitalization and Automation of Apger Assessment for Improved Neonatal Care in Low-Income Rural Areas (Published)
The Apgar assessment, developed by Dr. Virginia Apgar in 1952, is a widely used tool to evaluate the physiological condition and general health status of neonates at one and five minutes after birth. However, in low-income countries with limited access to expert neonatologists, the application of the Apgar assessment in rural areas is challenging. This scholarly article introduces a method for digitalizing and automating the Apgar assessment, aiming to facilitate its implementation in home or low-resource delivery centers. By providing instant scoring and automated feedback, the digitalized version has the potential to improve decision-making and prevent neonatal deaths. This article discusses the design, algorithm, limitations, and benefits of the proposed digitalized Apgar assessment.
Keywords: : digitalization, Automation, apgar assessment, low-income countries., neonatal care, rural areas