Comprehensive Health Care System Research Articles

Economic and health impacts of China’s comprehensive health care system reform

Economic and health impacts of China’s comprehensive health care system reform

Cardiometabolic characteristics of weight cycling: results from a mid-South regional comprehensive health care system.

The objective of this study was to determine the unique clinical and cardiometabolic risk characteristics of weight-cyclers and identify differences between weight-cyclers and individuals with other weight-change trajectories. A deidentified database of 1,428,204 Vanderbilt University Medical Center patients from 1997 to 2020 was included based on having ≥5 years of recorded weights. Patients with a history of malignant neoplasm, bariatric surgery, implausible BMI (e.g., <15 or >80 kg/m2), or missing documented height were excluded, yielding 83,261 participants categorized by weight trajectory, i.e., weight-stable, weight-gainer, weight-loser, or weight-cycler, based on criteria of ≥5% weight-change thresholds. Additionally, quartiles of average successive weight variability were evaluated to determine the effect of absolute differences among successive weight values. Over half (55%) of participants were weight-cyclers, 23% were weight-gainers, 12% were weight-losers, and 10% were weight-stable over 5 years. Although baseline BMI did not differ among groups, weight-cyclers were more likely to have lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher blood glucose and triglyceride levels and to have been prescribed antihypertensive, dyslipidemia, and/or antidiabetic therapies. They were also younger and more likely to be smokers. Participants with the greatest weight variability (i.e., highest quartile of average successive weight variability) had higher cardiometabolic risk scores. Weight cycling was highly prevalent but yielded no meaningful overall change in body weight after 5 years. These findings support a paradigm shift in weight management in individuals with overweight/obesity toward reducing cardiometabolic risk with or without weight loss.

Does the development of strategic readiness represent a response to the relationship of strategic competencies and the healthcare information system? Evidence from private hospitals in Jordan

This study introduces a model designed to improve the strategic readiness of private hospitals in Amman by incorporating strategic competencies as an independent variable and using a healthcare information system as a mediator. Targeting private hospitals with over 140 beds, the research included a population of 3263 employees across various managerial levels. Data collection methods involved interviews and electronic questionnaires, resulting in a sample size of 344. Statistical analyses comprised exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling, and hypothesis testing with SMART PLS 3.3.3 software. The results indicated medium levels of both strategic competencies and healthcare information systems, while strategic readiness was found to be low. Nevertheless, the proposed model showed a direct positive effect of strategic competencies on strategic readiness, with the healthcare information system acting as a significant partial mediator. Evaluation metrics included the arithmetic mean, standard deviation, and path analysis. This model surpasses traditional methods by effectively linking strategic competencies and information systems to enhance strategic readiness, providing a strong framework for improving hospital responses to crises and dynamic changes. The study suggests focusing on enhancing and developing strategic competencies and integrating a comprehensive healthcare information system to optimize hospital operations and increase readiness.

Intelligent healthcare for cardiac patients utilizing neural networks, k-means clustering, and ad hoc routing

This paper introduced a comprehensive healthcare system designed to address the unique challenges faced by cardiac patients in economically and geographically constrained regions. The system operated in three phases, each contributing to the effective care of patients. In the initial phase, an artificial neural network model identified potential cardiac patients with an impressive accuracy of 90.16%, demonstrating its potential for early detection. The second phase employed k-means clustering to categorize patients into three groups based on the severity of their condition, facilitating precise prognosis and stratification. Finally, the system utilized an innovative ad hoc routing algorithm to securely transmit patient data to remote servers, enabling expert monitoring and consultation. The study's outcomes demonstrate the system's ability to accurately identify at-risk patients, appropriately categorize their condition, and efficiently route critical data. This holistic approach leverages cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to transform healthcare delivery in underserved areas. The novel system presents a promising avenue for enhancing cardiac care in regions with limited access to advanced healthcare services, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing disparities in cardiovascular healthcare.

A family physician for all Indian families: A vision for 2047

ABSTRACT As India progresses towards its centenary of independence in 2047, the need for a comprehensive and compassionate healthcare system that emphasizes the role of family physicians has never been more urgent. Family physicians serve as the bedrock of primary health care, providing a holistic approach that encompasses preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care for individuals across all stages of life. This vision for 2047 articulates a future where every Indian family has access to a dedicated family physician who addresses their healthcare needs and promotes health education, and community well-being.

Abstract B006: Reduced survival outcomes in lower income quintile groups for women with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy in Ontario, Canada

Abstract Background: Despite the comparably comprehensive healthcare system in Canada, health inequities are widespread, and this holds true for breast cancer patients in Ontario. It is thus essential to learn if socio-demographic disparities continue after diagnosis of breast cancer, and if these contribute to higher mortality rates in the lower income quintile groups. Methods: We conducted a real-word population-based study using a provincial health administrative dataset from Ontario, Canada. We included patients diagnosed with HER2-negative breast cancer, treated with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, between 2009 to 2017. We used log-rank test and Kaplan Meier curves to compare overall survival (OS) between breast cancer populations among income quintile groups, and Cox regression to evaluate risk factors, using hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: We analysed 10,634 women diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer. At diagnosis, in the Q1 group, there were 248 (15.8%) women with stage I, 997 (63.7%) with stage II, and 320 (20.45%) with stage III. In the Q5 group, there were 568 (22.15%), with stage I, 1,532 (59.75%) with stage II and 464 (18%) with stage III. Comparison between those in the lowest versus highest income quintile groups, and lymph node (LN) status at diagnosis, showed that in Q1, 534 (34%) women had LN 0 and 897 (57.3%) had LN+. In Q5, there were 954 (37.2%) women with LN 0 and 1,379 (53.8%) with LN+. Similarly, comparing tumor size (TS) at diagnosis, we found that in Q1, there were 463 (32.2%) women with TS≤ 2 cm and 974 (67.8%) with TS &amp;gt; 2 cm. In Q5, 915 (39%) women had TS≤ 2 cm and 1,426 (61%) had TS &amp;gt; 2 cm. In the Q1 group, there were 325 (20.7%) patients who received non- anthracycline and 1,240 (79.3%) treated with anthracycline-taxane chemotherapy. In Q5, there were 673 (26.2%) women treated with non-anthracycline and 1,891 (73.8%) who received anthracycline-taxane chemotherapy. The OS analysis based on the household income group compared to Q5 showed a substantial difference in the Q1 (HR 1.52, 1.2–1.9, p = 0.0002) and Q2 (HR 1.34, 1.1–1.7, p = 0.006) groups. In Cox regression models, Q5 group and endocrine receptor (ER) positive were significantly associated with reduced mortality risk. There was a significant correlation between increased risk of death and the following: receipt of non- anthracycline chemotherapy, TS &amp;gt; 2 cm, LN+ and grade 3 histology. Conclusion: Our study found an uneven distribution of breast cancer patients between the lowest and highest income quintile groups. Women with HER2-negative breast cancer who were part of the lower income quintile groups, thereby likely with a socioeconomic disadvantage, had the lowest OS. At diagnosis, these women were more likely to have more advanced breast cancer staging, including larger tumors, LN+, and receive anthracycline-based chemotherapy as compared to those with higher household income. Further research is warranted to identify the key social determinants that are systematically associated with disparities in equitable access to care. Citation Format: Danilo Giffoni M. M. Mata, Rossanna C. Pezo, Kelvin K.W. Chan, Ines Menjak, Andrea Eisen, Maureen Trudeau. Reduced survival outcomes in lower income quintile groups for women with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy in Ontario, Canada [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B006.

Family doctors play a crucial role in a comprehensive healthcare surveillance system.

Family doctors play a crucial role in a comprehensive healthcare surveillance system.

Integrating Traditional Medicine with Modern Healthcare: Addressing Maternal and Mental Health in Uganda

Traditional medicine in Uganda, deeply rooted in cultural and historical practices, plays a significant role in addressing maternal and mental health challenges. This review explores the integration of traditional medicine with modern healthcare systems, aiming to enhance maternal and mental health outcomes while preserving cultural heritage. Traditional practices, including herbal remedies, spiritual healing, and the role of traditional birth attendants (TBAs), provide crucial support, particularly in rural areas with limited access to modern medical facilities. The review examines the contributions of traditional medicine to maternal health, including prenatal, labor, and postnatal care, and its role in mental health through spiritual and community-based practices. Despite the valuable contributions, integrating traditional and modern healthcare presents challenges such as cultural barriers, regulatory issues, and the need for standardization. Efforts to integrate these approaches include policy development, educational initiatives, and collaborative health programs. The National Drug Authority (NDA) plays a pivotal role in regulating and standardizing traditional medicine practices, ensuring safety and efficacy through research and quality control measures. Economic impacts of traditional medicine include income generation, local trade, and affordable healthcare options, although practitioners face challenges like lack of formal recognition and regulatory issues. Public perception is influenced by cultural beliefs and trust in traditional practices, with increasing acceptance of integrated approaches in urban areas. In conclusion, integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare in Uganda offers a promising path towards a more inclusive and culturally sensitive healthcare system. By addressing challenges through mutual respect, collaboration, and evidence-based practices, Uganda can enhance maternal and mental health outcomes and build a more comprehensive healthcare system. Keywords: Traditional Medicine, Modern Healthcare, Maternal, Mental Health in Uganda

Teaching and training of human resources for genetics and genomics in Brazil.

This manuscript reviewed the state of the art about the teaching and training of human resources for genetics and genomics in Brazil. We presented the national scenario of teaching genetics in medical undergraduate and other health courses. We discussed the training of medical geneticists through medical residency and addressed the training in genetics of physicians from specialties other than genetics. We examined the training of health professionals specializing in genetics through lato sensu and stricto sensu postgraduate programs and presented the proposals for multi-professional residency in genetic counseling and genetics and genomics that are currently the subject of discussion in the country. Finally, we highlighted the importance of training primary health care professionals concerning genetics and genomics for the effective establishment of a line of care for individuals with genetic disorders in the Brazilian Unified Health System. Therefore, we provided a thorough overview of how genetics is (or is not) incorporated into professional training in a comprehensive public healthcare system such as the Brazilian.

New technology and working methods to improve healthcare for suspected malignant skin lesions: Implementation of teledermatoscopy in comprehensive healthcare

AbstractBackgroundSuspected malignant skin lesions are common and challenging in terms of diagnostic accuracy and lead time. Efficient use of teledermatoscopy has the potential to improve these factors.ObjectivesThis report aims to explore the implementation of teledermatoscopy for quality improvement in a comprehensive healthcare system.MethodsA stepwise implementation started in 2012 in the Stockholm Region, Sweden, serving 2.4 million inhabitants across approximately 240 primary healthcare centres. The full‐scale implementation occurred from May 2021 to February 2023, utilising a double‐reading teledermatoscopy system. The RE‐AIM framework (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) guided the evaluation, including measures such as participant engagement, referrals, diagnoses, staff participation, and centres going on post‐implementation. Descriptive statistics were used.ResultsIn the full‐scale implementation period, 10,862 referrals were transmitted, with 17% recommended for biopsy or excision. Among these, 282 (15%) were confirmed melanomas and 516 (28%) non‐melanoma skin cancers. Challenges were observed during the stepwise phase, particularly in engaging primary healthcare and establishing dermatologic consultation capacity. However, all centres and 1263 primary care physicians participated in the fully scaled implementation. Challenges included contractual compliance, adopting a collective system perspective, effective management transition of referrals, cost allocation, and communication improvements. Six months post‐study, most centres used the system, with around 1500 monthly referrals.ConclusionsThe evaluation revealed the overall satisfactory performance of the teledermatoscopy system in terms of reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance during the fully scaled phase. Results underscore the effectiveness of a stepwise implementation to successfully address contextual challenges. The findings emphasise the system's potential for a broader patient outreach. In conclusion, implementation of teledermatoscopy for quality improvement in a comprehensive healthcare system is an organisational challenge but has the potential to improve healthcare quality for suspected malignant skin lesions.

Integrated healthcare system in India: a conceptual framework

PurposeIndia has been on the pathway of improvement concerning healthcare and health outcomes of its population. However, India must overcome its unique challenges and cover a long journey ahead. This mandates a need for a high-quality, contemporary and community-based health system that promises consistent and quality healthcare, is trusted and valued by all its citizens, considers the changing population needs and should be affordable and accessible.Design/methodology/approachThe study examines various dimensions and elements associated with the integrated healthcare system in India and uses input, process and output structural measures.FindingsThe present paper proposes an integrated, comprehensive healthcare system in India that endorses participation from diverse stakeholders such as the government, organizations, the community and individuals who can contribute uniquely. It also focuses on defined and measurable output that can make health a topic of social movement or “Jan Andolan” and create a sustainable and integrated care system.Originality/valueThe study is unique as it focuses on the role of stakeholders in health care. The research emphasized the involvement of the government, community, people and organizations in developing an integrated healthcare ecosystem that includes modern technology, skilled employees, enough finance, governance, efficient delivery platforms and top-tier infrastructure. The model’s output is focused on healthcare that is inexpensive, accessible, available, accountable and user-centered. This would gradually improve everyone’s health and well-being.

MediConnect360

This paper presents the development and implementaton of a comprehensive healthcare management system named ”MediConnect 360.” In response to the challenges posed by traditonal paper-based systems , MediConnect 360 ofers a digital soluton to streamline administratve tasks, enhance patent care , and ensure data security . The paper outlines the objectves , scope , methodology,feasibility study , and requirements specifcaton of the MediConnect 360 project .Additonally , it provides a comparison with existng healthcare management systems to highlight the unique features and benefts of MediConnect 360. Index Terms — Healthcare management , digital solution , MediConnect 360, patent care, data security.

Reducing disparities in the treatment of hyperparathyroidism

BackgroundHyperparathyroidism is common with African American patients historically experiencing disparate outcomes. With a comprehensive outreach program and systematic treatment plans, we sought to evaluate our institution's ability to reduce disparities in hyperparathyroidism. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected data at a single medical center for all patients undergoing parathyroidectomy by endocrine surgeons from 2015 to 2021 for primary (PHPT) and tertiary (THPT) hyperparathyroidism. Patient demographics, pre-and post-operative clinical and biochemical data were collected and analyzed by race. ResultsOf the 757 patients included, 675 patients had PHPT with 135 (20 %) African-American (AA) and 528(78 %) female. Of 82 patients with THPT, 44 (53 %) were AA and 34 (32 %) were female. AA patients were younger than Caucasian (CA) patients with a mean age (±SD) of 56 ± 15 vs 60 ± 14 years in PHPT (p < 0.01) and 50 ± 10 vs 55 ± 10 years in THPT (p = 0.02).Median (IQR) preoperative PTH was higher in AA with PHPT 134 (97–190) vs 102 (75–144) pg/mL (p < 0.01) and in AA with THPT 285 (189–544) vs 218 (145–293) (p = 0.01) pg/mL. AA PHPT patients had significantly higher preoperative mean (±SD) calcium levels 10.9 ± 0.8 vs 10.6 ± 0.8 mg/dL(p < 0.001). Biochemical cure rates at 6 months and complication rates were not different between races. ConclusionsAA patients with PHPT and THPT disease experienced similar cure rates to their CA counterparts despite having a more severe biochemical disease. Health care disparities may be ameliorated with treatment by high volume surgeons embedded in a comprehensive health care system.

The Future of Health Insurance in India: A Case of Ayushman Bharat

Introduction: In 2017, the National Health Policy recommended the introduction of Ayushman Bharat to promote Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with the aim of providing comprehensive, need-based, and equitable healthcare services to the Indian population. The scheme comprises two primary components: the creation of 1,50,000 Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) and the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). These initiatives aim to enhance infrastructure related to comprehensive primary healthcare, maternal and child healthcare, non-communicable diseases, and improved drug delivery and diagnostic services. Out of 28 states and 8 Union territories in India, Delhi, Odisha, and West Bengal have not implemented the AB-PMJAY scheme. Telangana joined the scheme in May 2021, and each state has adopted different models to accommodate their healthcare requirements. Objective: The study elicits the various aspects of Ayushman Bharat, the scheme’s evolution throughout different timelines and its future prospects. Conclusion: The Ayushman Bharat scheme has played an enormous role in achieving comprehensive healthcare system by leveraging various technologies and digital health methods. During the pandemic, the rates of utilization have changed, and Ayushman Bharat is anticipated to contribute significantly to achieve UHC in the future.

Advance care planning in the treatment of implantable left ventricular assist device: a republication of the review published in Japanese Journal of Artificial Organs.

Advance care planning (ACP) is essential in managing serious and chronic illnesses to ensure that patients receive care aligned with their personal values, goals, and preferences. This review focuses on integrating ACP in the treatment of patients receiving implantable left ventricular assist devices (VADs). The heart failure palliative care team developed a unique advance directive form and pamphlet to facilitate ACP discussions, emphasizing not only medical treatment preferences but also patients' values and life goals.The study highlights the distinction between bridge to transplantation (BTT) and destination therapy (DT) in VAD patients, with different goals and considerations for ACP. The use of decision aids developed especially for DT candidates as a communication tool helps in sharing patients' wishes and facilitates shared decision-making, particularly in the complex decisions surrounding DT therapy.Challenges in implementing ACP, such as time constraints due to urgent medical conditions, difficulties in patient communication, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, are addressed. The need for a comprehensive healthcare system capable of supporting patients' ACP wishes, especially in the community setting, is also pointed out.Future directions include not only developing materials to ease ACP discussions and ensuring that ACP content is shared among healthcare providers to foster collaborative and detailed planning, but also a call for widespread adoption of ACP in Japan.This is a translation of a paper written in Japanese Journal of Artificial Organs (Vol. 52, No. 1, pp. 89-92) with additions and corrections.

Low access and inadequate treatment in mental health care for asylum seekers and refugees in Germany-A prospective follow-up study over 12 months and a nationwide cross-sectional study.

Refugees experience elevated rates of mental health problems, but little is known about mental health service utilization and quality among asylum seekers and refugees in Europe. In a 12-month follow-up study of newly arrived refugees (N= 166, Mage= 32.38 years, 30.7% female) and a nationwide cross-sectional study (N= 579, Mage= 33.89 years, 36.2% female) of refugees who had been living in Germany for an average of 6 years, we examined objective need for mental health treatment, perceived need, access to treatment services, and adequacy of treatment. We defined minimally adequate mental health treatment according to the WHO World Mental Health Survey as ≥8 sessions of psychotherapy (minimally adequate psychotherapy) or pharmacotherapy plus ≥4 medical visits (minimally adequate pharmacotherapy). In both studies, two in three individuals screened for mental health symptoms and additionally perceived a need for professional treatment. Of those, less than half had contact to any service provider, with only 1 in 14 receiving minimally adequate psychotherapy. Overall, no more than one in seven of refugees in need received minimally adequate treatment. Despite a comprehensive mental health-care system, refugees' access to mental health care and the treatment provided are inadequate. Health policies are urgently needed to provide equitable mental health care for all.

Effective Data Aggregation Moel for the Healthcare Data Transmission and Security in Wireless Sensor Network Environment

Data aggregation is the process of collecting and combining information from multiple sources to provide a unified view or summary. In various fields such as statistics, economics, and data analysis, aggregating data helps reveal patterns, trends, or general insights that may not be apparent when examining individual data points. Aggregated data can provide a more comprehensive perspective, facilitating decision-making and strategic planning. This paper explores the application of Sugeno Fuzzy Model Monkey Swarm Optimization (SFMMsO) in healthcare, specifically focusing on data aggregation and security within Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). The study demonstrates SFMMsO’s efficacy in aggregating patient health data, generating comprehensive Aggregated Health Indices. It also highlights SFMMsO’s optimization capabilities, refining decision variables to enhance healthcare algorithm performance. The paper addresses the critical dimension of security, showcasing SFMMsO’s adaptability in optimizing security parameters and assessing its vulnerability to various attack types. The findings underscore SFMMsO’s potential as a robust tool for healthcare applications, emphasizing the need for proactive security measures to fortify its resilience against potential threats. This study contributes valuable insights into the intersection of optimization algorithms, data aggregation, and security in healthcare, paving the way for advancements in utilizing SFMMsO for secure and comprehensive healthcare systems.

Enhancing System Safety and Reliability through Integrated FMEA and Game Theory: A Multi-Factor Approach

This study aims to address the limitations of traditional Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) in managing safety and reliability within complex systems characterized by interdependent critical factors. We propose an integrated framework that combines FMEA with the strategic decision-making principles of Game Theory, thereby enhancing the assessment and mitigation of risks in intricate environments. The novel inclusion of the Best Worst Method (BWM) and Pythagorean fuzzy uncertain linguistic variables refines the accuracy of risk evaluation by overcoming the inherent deficiencies of conventional FMEA approaches. Through sensitivity analysis, the framework’s efficacy in identifying and prioritizing failure modes is empirically validated, guiding the development of targeted interventions. The practical application of our methodology is demonstrated in a comprehensive healthcare system analysis, showcasing its versatility and significant potential to improve operational safety and reliability across various sectors. This research is particularly beneficial for systems engineers, risk managers, and decision-makers seeking to fortify complex systems against failures and their effects.

Challenges and strategies for conducting research in primary health care practice: an integrative review

BackgroundProviding accessible and high-quality patient-centered healthcare remains a challenge in many countries, despite global efforts to strengthen primary health care (PHC). Research and knowledge management are integral to enhancing PHC, facilitating the implementation of successful strategies, and promoting the use of evidence-based practices. Practice-based research in primary care (PC-PBR) has emerged as a valuable approach, with its external validity to diverse PHC settings, making it an effective means of translating research findings into professional practice.ObjectiveTo identify challenges and strategies for conducting practice-based research in primary health care services.MethodAn integrative literature review was conducted by searching the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Lilacs databases. The research question, guided by the PICo framework, directed the execution of study selection and data extraction. Data analysis followed the RAdAR method's three phases: pre-analysis, data analysis, and interpretation of results.ResultsOut of 440 initially identified articles, 26 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were conducted in high-income countries, primarily the United States. The challenges and strategies for PC-PBR were categorized into six themes: research planning, infrastructure, engagement of healthcare professionals, knowledge translation, the relationship between universities and health services, and international collaboration. Notable challenges included research planning complexities, lack of infrastructure, difficulties in engaging healthcare professionals, and barriers to knowledge translation. Strategies underscore the importance of adapting research agendas to local contexts, providing research training, fostering stakeholder engagement, and establishing practice-based research networks.ConclusionThe challenges encountered in PC-PBR are consistent across various contexts, highlighting the need for systematic, long-term actions involving health managers, decision-makers, academics, diverse healthcare professionals, and patients. This approach is essential to transform primary care, especially in low- and middle-income countries, into an innovative, comprehensive, patient-centered, and accessible healthcare system. By addressing these challenges and implementing the strategies, PC-PBR can play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between research and practice, ultimately improving patient care and population health.

ANALYSIS OF ELECTROHYSTEROGRAM SIGNALS AND PREDICTION OF PRETERM BIRTHS USING MACHINE LEARNING

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 15 million infants are born before the entire period of pregnancy. Over a million neonatal deaths occurred in 2015 as a result of preterm delivery, which is the prime cause for most deaths among children under the age of five. Although preterm birth has no hereditary link, only 10% of preterm deliveries in high-income settings result in deaths, compared to a mortality rate of up to 90% in low-income nations. When preterm cases are discovered, in addition to enhanced care provided at home for the expecting mother, the growing foetus may also benefit from medication, hospitalization for the duration of the pregnancy, or both. Low-income countries also struggle with a lack of access to a comprehensive healthcare system, which makes it difficult to proactively detect premature births. Machine learning techniques have a great potential to improve this situation by providing an intelligent framework for the detection of critical situations and consequently alerting the individual in cases of anomalies. This will require further follow-up with medical specialists. In this work, we investigate the application of deep learning and machine learning techniques for the analysis of electrohysterogram (EHG) data, which are uterine electrical impulses used to detect preterm deliveries. The TPEHG dataset is used to train a variety of machine learning classifiers, such as Support Vector Machines, Logistic Regression, and Decision Trees, as well as Deep Neural Networks like Convolutional Neural Networks and LSTMs. Additionally, we use plurality voting to build an ensemble of various neural networks and binary classifiers that are trained to classify EHG signals. The ensemble machine learning classifier with five base classifiers produced the best results overall, with an accuracy of 98.99%, sensitivity of 98.3%, and specificity of 97.9% outperforming several state-of-the-art algorithms for preterm birth detection.