#AI Technology #Zagreb #Croatia #Health Screening #Croatia Poliklinika

Croatia's Revolutionary Health Initiative

In a groundbreaking move, Croatia has initiated a unique public health campaign aimed at combating the rising epidemic of untreated spine conditions. Nearly half of the Croatian population is believed to be unknowingly affected by potential spinal issues, primarily as a result of sedentary lifestyles and excessive usage of mobile devices. The initiative, aptly named "Your Posture Is Your Future," aims to heighten health awareness while leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology for preventive health measures.

The campaign is a collaborative effort orchestrated by the Croatia Poliklinika, which operates a network of nine polyclinics across the nation. With a commitment to providing comprehensive medical services and preventative care, the organization has turned public bus stops into health screening zones and digital billboards into AI-powered assessment tools.

How It Works

The new initiative incorporates interactive digital billboards equipped with advanced computer vision capabilities and AI-driven software. As passersby approach these boards, the system captures and analyzes their posture, focusing on eight key points, including neck, mid-back, and lower spinal alignment. In mere seconds, it can detect potential spinal problems, offering immediate visual feedback along with numerical data that outlines any identified issues. If a concern is flagged, the system prompts individuals to book an appointment with a nearby physiotherapist via a QR code displayed on the screen.

The campaign has already demonstrated impressive results. Key statistics reveal that:

• - Approximately 77.9% of the Croatian population has been reached by the initiative.
• - Over 106,642 individuals have undergone on-site posture checks within a short period of launching the campaign.
• - The demand for specialist spinal examinations has surged by 46%, indicating a significant uptick in health-seeking behavior amongst citizens.
• - Remarkably, 97% of individuals instinctively corrected their posture during the scanning process, highlighting a newfound awareness about their spinal health—the first step towards lasting habit changes.

A Shift in Health Awareness

Dr. Tatjana Kujundžić, the head of the Croatia Poliklinika, emphasizes the importance of this initiative, stating, "Croatia is confronting a silent pandemic that threatens the collective spine of the nation due to a lack of awareness and willingness to seek professional help. However, our innovative campaign at critical junctures promotes timely health interventions."

Furthermore, Davor Bruketa, the creative director behind the project, adds, "This campaign not only addresses a pressing health crisis but also reshapes the role of advertising in our society. Traditionally, advertisements captured consumers' attention; now, they are attentively engaging with individuals' health needs."

By merging technology and healthcare, Croatia not only seeks to rectify a pressing medical issue but also aims to instill lasting changes in public health behavior. The campaign garners attention as it seamlessly integrates health screenings into everyday life, making individuals more conscious of their well-being.

As more people become educated about spinal health through this groundbreaking initiative, the hope is that Croatia will see a long-term positive shift in public health outcomes, paving the way for further innovative public health campaigns in the future.