Oluwadamilola Oshin’s Approach to Healthcare, Engineering Fusion: A CARE Framework Perspective

Oluwadamilola Oshin is the senior lecturer in Information and Communication Engineering with a specialisation in Biomedical Engineering. She has meticulously developed the CARE Framework—a strategic model that seamlessly integrates Compassion, Accessibility, Research, and Ethics to address the intricate challenges of global healthcare through innovative engineering solutions.

At the core of the CARE Framework lies Compassion, an often-neglected yet vital element within biomedical engineering. Oshin ardently advocates for the incorporation of human-centered care into technological innovations, asserting, “Healthcare advancements must transcend the mechanical to engage the emotional and psychological dimensions of patient experience.”

Her pioneering work in developing a graphene transistor biosensor for non-invasive detection of iron deficiency exemplifies this philosophy, emphasising saliva-based diagnostics for vulnerable populations. “Blood tests can be invasive and distressing,” she remarks, underscoring the comfort and precision of non-invasive alternatives.

This groundbreaking work has spurred further advancements, such as a saliva-compatible biosensor for detecting SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza, developed at the University of Texas, Austin, which draws upon Oshin’s foundational research. “Witnessing how our innovations catalyze progress in other domains reaffirms the transformative potential of compassionate engineering,” she reflects.

Accessibility constitutes another pivotal pillar of the CARE Framework. Oshin emphasizes that technological advancements must reach underserved communities to genuinely address global health disparities.

Her recent initiatives in non-invasive malaria diagnostics underscore this commitment. “Malaria remains a leading cause of mortality, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where 94 per cent of cases are concentrated.

“The creation of affordable, user-friendly diagnostic tools is crucial in combating this disease,” she articulates, framing healthcare equity as both a challenge and a moral obligation.

Research serves as the foundation of Oshin’s endeavours, facilitating her continuous pursuit of cutting-edge solutions. As an integral member of the Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE), she engages in transformative projects leveraging advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and electronic sensors, to redefine the boundaries of biomedical innovation. “Research is the cornerstone of progress,” she asserts, highlighting AI’s potential to yield predictive insights that enhance preventive care and clinical decision-making.

The final pillar, Ethics, addresses the imperative of responsible management of sensitive medical data generated by biosensors and AI technologies. “Upholding the ethical stewardship of patient data is paramount,” Oshin emphasises.

She is equally devoted to the equitable distribution of healthcare resources, contending, “Technological advancements must be universally beneficial, and we must actively work to dismantle disparities in global healthcare access.”

Through her CARE Framework, Oshin is redefining the nexus of healthcare and engineering, ensuring that solutions are not only technologically sophisticated but also compassionate, accessible, rigorously researched, and ethically grounded. “I envision the CARE Framework as a blueprint for the future of healthcare innovation,” she concludes, underscoring the necessity of prioritising patient well-being and fostering global health equity.