Optimising Continuity of Prostate Cancer Care in Africa through Artificial Intelligence

One of the main challenges of prostate cancer is the continuity in care of the disease across Africa as a result of delay in diagnosis, poor healthcare resources, disorganised care pathway, interruption of treatment and inadequate patient follow up. Thus, the study deployed a narrative research approach to explore the potentials of artificial intelligence in the optimisation of the continuity of the care for prostate cancer across Africa healthcare systems. Relevant studies on artificial intelligence related to prostate cancer was searched including screenings, diagnoses, treatment plans, monitoring of patients, risk predictions and follow ups. These were reviewed and synthesised in a narrative pattern. The study highlights how artificial intelligence based predictive models, clinical decision support systems, integration of telemedicine and personalised treatment could enhance the organisation and carecoordination, identifies patients at risk of treatment barriers as well as supporting clinical intervention. However, a major limitation is the limited infrastructure, quality of data and privacy issue with the inclusion of cost implication and shortage of technical experts. Therefore, adequate investment in digital facilities, locally sourced dataset, building of capacity and ethical concern are essential. Artificial intelligence provides adequate potential for strengthening a patient centred, continuous and equitable prostate cancer care in Africa.