Personal Touch Research Articles

Revolutionising patient care: the role of AI-generated avatars in healthcare consultations

Abstract Background/Introduction The healthcare sector faces an unprecedented challenge with the surging demand in both public and private settings, pushing them towards the brink of overload. This scenario underscores a critical knowledge gap in leveraging technology to alleviate the burden on healthcare services. Our study introduces an innovative solution through the development of avatars generated with artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, that replicate the likeness and expertise of healthcare professionals. These AI-generated avatars aim to bridge the gap in patient consultations, offering a scalable and efficient alternative to traditional care models. Purpose The primary objective of our study was to design and implement a virtual assistant capable of conducting patient consultations with the same reliability and personal touch as a trusted human medical professional. This was carried out through the integration of diverse AI technologies including generative models, large language models (LLMs), speech-to-text, and text-to-speech algorithms. Methods Our methodology encompassed the creation of three-components, the visual and auditory representation of the healthcare professional (avatar), the capability to process and generate speech (brain functions), and a database of information sourced from medical repositories as well as expert inputs (compiled knowledge). The development process involved capturing and generating the likeness and voice of a medical expert, training LLMs with the compiled knowledge, and engineering the system to function in real-time. This multifaceted approach ensured the AI-generated avatars were not only personalised but also intelligent and interactive. Results The successful execution of each component confirmed its feasibility, with the AI-generated avatars resembling their human counterparts in appearance and voice, effectively processing spoken inputs, and providing medical advice based on the compiled knowledge. The primary challenge identified was the integration of these components to operate seamlessly in real-time, indicating the need for further refinement in synchronisation and response speed. Conclusion This study has laid a foundational step towards revolutionising patient care through AI technologies. Our results demonstrate the potential of AI-generated avatars to alleviate workloads by providing personalised and efficient patient consultation services. Future work will focus on enhancing the real-time integration of system components, improving the scalability of the solution, and further personalising the patient experience. This direction not only intends to expand the capabilities of healthcare providers but also opens new avenues for patient engagement and care delivery.

The Uncertainties of Student Affairs Professionals in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to a global revolution across industries and service sectors. AI raises concerns such as job displacement and academic dishonesty. Their duties, involving using different technologies, have led them to incorporate AI technology into their work. This paper delves into the future of the student affairs profession, with a specific focus on the impact of artificial intelligence. The paper analyzes existing literature to identify emerging trends of uncertainties and points out potential opportunities associated with integrating AI into the role of student affairs professionals. This paper explores the nuances of integrating AI into student affairs, including both the opportunities and potential threats. In this paper, it was argued that professionals should identify the aspects of their job that necessitate a personal touch and concentrate their efforts on enhancing human experiences

"We want that personal touch”: Dilemma of digitalization of healthcare based on community health worker experiences of depersonalization in healthcare.

261 Background: Advancements in digital technology is increasingly shaping healthcare delivery with a potential to address disparities by improving access to, enhancing communication with, and streamlining of healthcare management. Increased digitalization could also contribute to depersonalization from healthcare systems, particularly in individuals with low digital health literacy. We examined Community Health Advisors (CHAs) perceptions on community level experiences with technology in cancer care. Methods: University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of South Alabama CHAs participated in semi-structured interviews exploring their experiences and perspectives on health and technology literacy challenges. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and inductively analyzed using NVivo and a constant comparative method leading to key representative themes and exemplary quotes. Results: Thirty-two CHAs, predominantly women (94%) and Black or African American (94%), participated in interviews. CHAs underscored multifaceted interactions of technology and healthcare. CHAs discussed the theme of navigating digital health interfaces alongside patient-provider relationships could result in depersonalization. They illuminated on barriers to and mitigation of depersonalization in healthcare engagement in the community. CHAs also discussed the theme of addressing health literacy as an underlying facet of mitigating depersonalization and low digital health literacy. They situated the feelings of depersonalization in relation to patient views on discomfort with digital services, medical mistrust, and provider cultural illiteracy impacting comprehension and engagement with health information and services. CHAs recommended acknowledging the community level discomforts with technology and healthcare, prioritizing human interaction alongside technology, and tailoring of healthcare services to diverse community needs, and linking to existing community infrastructure. Conclusions: Guided efforts focused on existing community infrastructure and integration of humanistic elements could aid in reducing depersonalization and improving digital health literacy.

Barriers to serious illness conversations in patients with advanced cancer: A mixed methods study.

228 Background: Serious illness conversations (SICs) are discussions between oncology clinicians and patients with cancer about illness understanding and care preferences. SICs are associated with less intensive and more goal-concordant care near the end of life, but many patients die without an SIC. Methods: PATH-SIC is an ongoing, single-center randomized trial (NCT05629065) that enrolls adults without a documented SIC starting a treatment for breast, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, gynecologic, or lung cancers with an expected prognosis of less than one year. The trial examines the effects of clinician- and patient-nudges on SIC documentation within 60 days of patient’s randomization to one of four arms (no nudge, clinician nudge, patient nudge, or both). This embedded mixed methods study recruited patients who still did not have an SIC 60 days from randomization, their caregivers (if present at time of consent) and oncologists. Interviews explored patients’ and caregivers’ 1) experiences with SICs, 2) perceptions about why SICs may not occur, and 3) suggestions to empower others to initiate SICs. Participating oncologists were surveyed by email. We used qualitative content analysis and descriptive statistics to identify themes. Results: The study included 44 participants: 19 patients, 10 caregivers and 15 oncologists. Patients had a median age of 63 years, were 63% female and 58% White and 68% had gastrointestinal cancers. Though no patient had a documented SIC, patients and their oncologists often disagreed about whether an undocumented SIC had occurred previously (Table). Patients’ and caregivers’ reported barriers to SICs included patient factors (lack of readiness, desire to maintain hope, focus on the present), clinician factors (perceived discomfort with prognostic disclosure and SICs), and prognostic uncertainty (current disease control, unpredictable prognosis). Patients’ and caregivers’ reported facilitators to SICs included patient- (self-advocacy, SIC readiness), clinician- (comfortable rapport), disease- (progression, worsening symptoms), and family-related facilitators (advocates for the patient to engage in SICs). To increase SICs, patients and caregivers reported greater acceptance of interventions involving a personal touch (e.g. phone call) over automated processes. Oncologist survey responses were brief. They reported SICs were most frequently triggered by disease progression or treatment intolerance, and recommended longer appointment times and written materials to facilitate SIC. Conclusions: Patient, caregiver and oncologist feedback on barriers and facilitators to SICs provided useful insights to improve interventions to encourage SICs. Patient/oncologist dyad (n=16) concordance of prior SICs. # of dyads Agreed SIC occurred 7 Agreed SIC did not occur 2 Only oncologist reported SIC 6 Only patient reported SIC 1 Total patient/oncologist dyads 16

Comparative Analysis of Traditional Wealth Management Services vs. AI-Based Wealth Management Software

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the wealth management industry. This paper compares traditional wealth management with AI-based solutions to assess their value to customers, focusing on factors like cost, customization, accessibility, performance, and accuracy. Traditional wealth management offers personalized human interaction, expert advice, and tailored financial planning but often comes with higher costs and limited scalability. In contrast, AI-based wealth management uses advanced algorithms and data analytics for scalable, efficient, and cost-effective services, though it may lack the personal touch of human advisors. The study finds that traditional wealth management excels in comprehensive planning and trust-based relationships, crucial for clients with complex needs. AI-driven solutions enhance accessibility and affordability, providing sophisticated insights to a wider audience. However, concerns about personalization quality and data reliance remain. The research suggests that a hybrid model combining traditional and AI-based approaches may offer the best solution, leveraging AI’s efficiency while maintaining personalized service and expert advice. Overall, this paper provides valuable insights for financial planners, identifying strategies to enhance value in the evolving wealth management field. Keywords: Wealth Management, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Financial Planning, AI-based Solutions, Personalized Financial Advice, Hybrid Wealth Management.

Public Health Program Planning And Evaluation: A Management Approach

Since the health care sector is essentially a human services organisation, any hospital setup must have administration with a high degree of personal touch. Maximum efficiency in hospitals can only be attained when all hospital employees collaborate diligently and participate in management. All health professionals must be appropriately motivated in order to harness their intellectual and practical resources for the organization's advantage and to ensure that everyone benefits from the organization's work. Although money is the greatest motivator, it is not the only one. Serious elements like job satisfaction, accomplishment orientation, recognition, acceptance, etc. are needed to motivate people who have already reached their basic psychological needs. These are only possible if management fosters a friendly environment of respect for one another and acknowledges each employee for the high calibre of their work.

An Analysis of Idiomatic Expressions found in The Lightning Thief Song Lyrics

The title of this study is An Analysis of Idiomatic Expressions Found In “The Lightning Thief (Original Cast Recording)” Song Lyrics. The objective of this study is to analyze the existence of idioms inside of an existing work of literature in the form of songs as part of a musical play and what does the idiom classified as, specifically what set them apart from each other and what pattern made them classified as one type through their semantic side. This study also includes an analysis of idiomatic expressions in the form of idiom references as it is considered part of the character’s personal touch as part of a story. Through a qualitative research method, the writer gathers and analyzes each idiom that exists based on listed idioms of the fourth edition of Oxford Dictionary of Idioms by John Ayto to separate them into 3 idiom classifications made by Cacciari & Glucksberg in 1991 to those are Compositional Opaque, Compositional Transparent, and Quasi Metaphorical. Each type is sometimes difficult to classify, possibly due to the existence of either phrasal verbs or individual words that have multiple meanings.

Sleep, Mental Health, and the Need for Physical and Real-Life Social Contact with (Non-)Family Members during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Bayesian Network Analysis.

Background/Objectives: The forced social isolation implemented to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus was accompanied by a worsening of mental health, an increase in insomnia symptoms, and the emergence of 'skin hunger'-an increased longing for personal touch. This study aimed to enhance our understanding of the interconnection between sleep, mental health, and the need for physical (NPC) and real-life social contact (NRL-SC). Methods: A total of 2827 adults participated in an online survey during the second COVID-19 lockdown. A Bayesian Gaussian copula graphical model (BGCGM) and a Bayesian-directed acyclic graph (DAG) were estimated, and mixed ANOVAs were carried out. Results: NPC with non-family members (t(2091) = 12.55, p < 0.001, d = 0.27) and relational lifestyle satisfaction (t(2089) = 13.62, p < 0.001, d = 0.30) were lower during the second lockdown than before the pandemic. In our BGCGM, there were weak positive edges between the need for PC and RL-SC on one hand and sleep and mental health on the other. Conclusions: During the second lockdown, people craved less physical contact with non-family members and were less satisfied with their relational lifestyle than before the pandemic. Individuals with a greater need for PC and RL-SC reported poorer mental health (i.e., worry, depression, and mental fatigue).

A Crisis Like No Other: Understanding and Defeating Global Warming

.: Robert De Saro has written an important book that provides a comprehensive and accurate account of the scientific basis of climate change and the human activities that cause it. More importantly, the author explores in considerable detail how the information about climate change is processed. For example, he discusses how cognitive biases might affect the appreciation of evidence, and therefore either facilitate taking actions to address climate change or divert from doing so. De Saro is an engineer, a scientist, and an astute observer and student of human behavior. His book is thus an important tool for those who wish to communicate effectively about climate change. In fact, his book is itself a model of good communication. De Saro injects humor into the discussion and provides illustrations when they are most needed. He writes with a personal touch, giving the reader a chance to know and trust him. A Crisis Like No Other: Understanding and Defeating Global Warming is an important contribution to the literature on climate change and, in particular, on climate communication, which is most deserving of our attention at this crucial juncture in the history of the world.

Advantages of the personal touch

Advantages of the personal touch

Investigating the Effectiveness of Short Form Media Advertisements Compared to Long Form Media Advertisements

The proliferation of short-form video platforms such as Tiktok and Twitter has prompted a major shift in advertising stratagem. Marketers are growing increasingly in favor of short, vertically filmed advertisements in response to a dramatic increase in short-form video media consumption over the last three years. This study explores the comparative effectiveness of short-form advertisements compared to traditional, long-form advertisements. We find that short form advertisements have an advantage over long form advertisements in reach and viewer engagement, proving more effective in our sample of participants than the long form advertisement despite a disadvantage in perceived trust and product relevance. We are able to attribute much of this effectiveness to the relatability, humor, personal touch, and audience-friendly content of short form advertisements. These results underscore a significant transition in the marketing industry, indicating an industrial preference for home-made narrative and individuality over traditional metrics of cinematic polish and trustworthiness.

Teaching note: personal attack or the personal touch? Evaluating the use of video feedback methods with qualifying social workers

ABSTRACT Social work skills such as the ability to reflect on self and to recognize and manage emotions are fostered in part through using and receiving feedback, however there is limited research about feedback methods that effectively enable social work students and post-qualifying workers to engage with the emotional aspects of learning and feedback. This teaching note reports on a pilot project in which video feedback on academic assignments was provided to first year undergraduate social work students studying at a university in England. The project findings underscore the importance of engaging with the emotional dimensions of feedback processes and recognizing how feedback experiences can shape emerging learner and professional identities. The findings also underline the psychological and social skills required to engage in more performative aspects of contemporary education and practice. We argue that social work students are likely to benefit from support to develop meta-cognition (the process of thinking about one’s thinking processes) and self-regulation (regulation of emotion and behavior) skills before they can make sense of academic and practice-orientated feedback. Video feedback on academic assignments is therefore best utilized when it is underpinned by a dialogical approach to teaching and learning in the ‘classroom’ and the ‘field’.

Patient Satisfaction: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Applications of artificial intelligence (AI) can be seen in almost every aspect of the healthcare system, as it has potential to affect almost every facet of the healthcare, from detection of ailments and serious or complex chronic diseases to their control, prevention and cure. With technological innovations, upgradation and adoption in the field of healthcare, healthcare professionals are required to be well prepared to accept the continuously evolving technology and its application to provide best healthcare facilities, which gave rise to the various studies on the role of the machine learning (ML), AI, deep learning (DL), etc., in the field of healthcare. Similarly, the rise in digitalised hospitals, medical facilities, records and data has resulted in the improvisation in the field of healthcare, which in turn has increased the need of experts, professionals, experienced and digitally literate workforce teams in the field of entire healthcare system. Understanding the roles of these advanced technologies, impacts being created on the health, lifestyle and the entire healthcare system, along with the perception of the patients towards it, will shape the way for the improvements and the applications of AI and its outcomes to be achieved, resulting in healthier world for the patients and the society. The objective of the study is to create a patient satisfaction model and validate it with respect to factors influencing patient satisfaction of several patients undergoing AI treatment factors. In the study, the United States, Canada, Australia, UAE and China were chosen as a place of survey, as these are advanced countries and the use of AI is highest in these countries compared to other countries, and survey was done with the help of structured questionnaire. In our earlier study, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed for initial knowledge development on the construct of patients undergoing AI treatment. Patient satisfaction rests on six broad dimensions: First factor is personal touch (PT), second factor is comprehensive gap (CG), third factor is answerability (AB), fourth factor is nerve racking (NR), fifth factor is wrong reporting (WR) and sixth factor is enlightened (EL). With the help of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structured equation modelling (SEM), it has emerged from the study that patient satisfaction level of the construct suggests that PT will have a greater impact on patient satisfaction, and it is the most significant factor of patient satisfaction compared to other constructs. Thus, we can conclude that PT still remains the most important factor in the minds of patients before undergoing AI treatment.

Personal scoping review: A novel review type with a personal touch.

The importance of incorporating patient and medical professional perspectives in medical research is increasingly recognized. However, formal platforms for these voices are limited. To address this gap, this study proposes a novel manuscript type, the Personal Scoping Review, within the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. Personal Scoping Reviews utilize a qualitative design with semi-structured interviews to gather patient and professional perspectives. This approach offers flexibility and depth, allowing authors to explore diverse insights. The reviews focus on care, education and research agendas related to the topic, using the voices of individuals as primary evidence. Personal Scoping Reviews highlight concerns in patient care, educational needs and research gaps, offering a comprehensive view. By integrating diverse perspectives, these reviews provide valuable insights for improving medical research and practice. They facilitate the formulation of agendas to address key issues in care, education and research. By amplifying individual perspectives, these reviews aim to enhance the relevance and impact of research, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare providers alike.

Crafting Disability: Re-envisioning Indian Textile Traditions

This article examines the work of two contemporary feminist disabled artists who are originally from India, and who currently live and work in the United States. Bhavna Mehta and Sugandha Gupta both work in textiles, and identify as women with disabilities. Mehta embroiders X-rays of her own body that capture her medical condition as someone with polio and who uses a wheelchair, where she uses embroidery skills passed down to her by female family members in India. Mehta rescripts the medical narratives of her condition so that her disability is accorded a literal and metaphorical personal touch, antithetical to the often-dehumanizing imagery that pervades within the medical industrial complex. Gupta, who was born with albinism, which also impacted her vision at birth, uses felt and other materials inspired by craft research in India to create sensorial fabrics that disrupt the hierarchy of the senses, with an emphasis on the generative tactile properties of objects. By analyzing the work of these two artists, I not only aim to introduce underrepresented feminist art histories, expanding the literature of the Global South, but I also wish to offer an argument that these artists are crafting new feminist forms of disability and re-envisioning Indian textile traditions.

A decision-making framework in family-owned hotels for evaluating and selecting suppliers and strategic partners

PurposeThis paper presents a comprehensive decision-making framework designed for family-owned hotels, specifically focusing on evaluating and selecting suppliers and strategic partners, with a particular emphasis on Iranian holding companies and five-star hotels.Design/methodology/approachThe research emphasizes the unique position of family-owned hotels as not only commercial enterprises but also embodiments of tradition, personal touch and community engagement, which sets them apart in a competitive market. Through a detailed literature review, methodology and analysis, including fuzzy analysis and the TOPSIS method, the study systematically evaluates various criteria crucial for selecting suppliers and strategic partners.FindingsThe framework evaluates criteria such as price competitiveness, quality of products/services, reliability and timeliness, flexibility and scalability, communication and responsiveness, after-sales service and support, ethical and sustainable practices, technology and innovation, and compatibility with business culture. By integrating these parameters, the framework addresses both operational needs and strategic objectives, ensuring chosen suppliers and partners align with the hotels' core values and operational requirements.Research limitations/implicationsThe study offers valuable insights for family-owned hospitality businesses to navigate supplier and strategic partner selection, and opens avenues for future research, particularly in adapting to technological advancements, sustainability practices and the evolving dynamics of the hospitality industry.Social implicationsThe research underscores the significance of family-owned hotels in fostering tradition, personal connection and community engagement, contributing to the social fabric of the hospitality industry.Originality/valueThis paper provides a unique perspective on supplier and strategic partner selection, tailored for family-owned hotels and offers a comprehensive framework that integrates both operational needs and strategic objectives, ensuring alignment with core values and requirements.

The ChatGPT dilemma: unravelling teachers’ perspectives on inhibiting and motivating factors for adoption of ChatGPT

PurposeThis study aims to address the existing knowledge gap by investigating teachers’ adoption of ChatGPT for educational purposes. The study specifically focuses on identifying the factors that motivate and inhibit teachers in adoption of ChatGPT in higher education institutions (HEIs).Design/methodology/approachThis research has used interpretative phenomenological analysis – a qualitative approach. Through in-depth interviews among the teachers, data was collected to identify the motivating and inhibiting factors that impacted teachers’ willingness to adopt ChatGPT. The data was collected from 48 teachers working across HEIs of Uttarakhand region in India.FindingsThe analysis revealed seven themes under motivating factors that encourage teachers to adopt ChatGPT for their educational purposes. These include time factor, tool for competitive edge, learning enhancement tool for students, research facilitator, benefits in educational settings, troubleshooter and easy to use. On the other hand, inhibiting factors comprise five themes, which include technical difficulties, limited features for educational and research purposes, tool for handicapping innovation and creativity, lack of personal touch and ethical considerations.Practical implicationsThe findings will be valuable for HEIs in establishing policies that promote the appropriate and effective use of ChatGPT. Moreover, the study provides recommendations to ChatGPT solution providers for improving ChatGPT services for effective adoption of ChatGPT among teachers and implementation at HEIs. Further, it contributes to the body of literature by filling a knowledge gap about teacher adoption of ChatGPT in the HEIs. Through qualitative research, the study has pinpointed specific motivating and inhibiting factors that affect teacher adoption of ChatGPT.Originality/valueUnlike previous studies that primarily explored the potential advantages and drawbacks of ChatGPT in education, this research study delves deeper into the topic. It makes a substantial contribution to our understanding of ChatGPT adoption among teachers by identifying distinct factors that either motivate or inhibit teachers from adopting ChatGPT for job related purposes. The study provides novel insights that were previously mislaid, thereby introducing a fresh perspective to the existing literature

Humanoid robot as an educational assistant – insights of speech recognition for online and offline mode of teaching

ABSTRACT Technology has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of the teaching and learning process. With the integration of technological resources, educators can create dynamic and interactive learning environments that offer diverse learning methods. With the help of these resources, students may be able to understand any topic deeply. Incorporating humanoid robots provides a valuable approach that combines the benefits of technology with the personal touch of human interaction. The role of speech is important in education; students might face challenges due to accent and auditory problems. The display of the text on the robot's screen can be beneficial for students to understand the speech better. In the present study, our objective is to integrate speech transcription with the humanoid robot Pepper and to explore its performance as an educational assistant in online and offline modes of teaching. The findings of this study suggest that Pepper's speech recognition system is a suitable candidate for both modes of teaching, regardless of the participant's gender. We expect that integrating humanoid robots into education may lead to more adaptive and efficient teaching and learning, resulting in improved learning outcomes and a richer educational experience.

Verses Through Thorns: An Archetypal Interpretation of Trauma in Emily Dickinson's Poetry

Emily Dickinson, a renowned American poetess, authored nearly two thousand poems, embodying her legendary life through themes rich in emotion and complexity. Trauma, manifesting in various forms from her childhood to her reclusive later years, pervades Dickinson's secretive existence. Her poetry, marked by a profound personal touch, weaves the pain of loss, social isolation, unrequited love, physical suffering, and existential quandaries into metaphoric and symbolic language. Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung posited the existence of a collective unconscious in the human psyche, comprising universal symbols and motifs known as "archetypes", which subconsciously influence the poet's comprehension of trauma, thereby revealing themselves in her intricately profound verses. This paper explores the symbolic elements and manifestations of Dickinson's inner trauma through three classic archetypes— the Shadow, the Magician, and the Hero's Journey— examining how these archetypes' themes and symbols relate to her personal trauma experiences, thereby delving into the poet's psyche as she confronts trauma, seeking self-healing and personal growth.

Impact of COVID-19 on agri-food systems: An assessment of actors along the food value chain in Ethiopia, Uganda, Nigeria and Mali

Food security in Africa was impacted as a result of supply chain disruptions and government lockdowns brought on by the Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. With participation from important actors in the agricultural value chain, the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) assessed the effect of COVID-19 on agri-food system in Ethiopia, Mali, Nigeria, and Uganda. Farmers, agro-processors, private service providers, off-takers and merchants, input dealers, and Ministry of Agriculture Extension service personnel are among the value chain actors that took part in the study. The survey, which was held from April 13 to April 16, 2020, used semi-structured tools and questionnaires aimed at the different stakeholders. The study used a cluster sample technique. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, which included frequency counts, percentages, rank correlation, and categorical regression. Based on the severity of the lockdowns associated to COVID-19, the survey found that the outcomes differed by country. The analysis shows a negative association between e-extension and education during the COVID-19 epidemic, but a high and positive correlation (p &lt; 0.01) between extension services and postharvest services, as well as credit availability. Factors such as transportation, labor availability, price fluctuations, output market activity, loan availability, and food and nutrition security were significantly and positively correlated with COVID-19 awareness. Additionally, the respondents indicated that price changes were favourably correlated with labour availability and transportation, and that farming activities were significantly and positively correlated with food and nutrition security, labour availability, and the output market. According to the perspective data collected in every country during the COVID-19 epidemic, postharvest services, agricultural input activities, and food and nutrition security all heavily relied on extension services, with postharvest services having a negative correlation with extension services. The results of the analysis show that COVID-19 impacted several variables that are associated with extension services across the four countries. For instance, the R2 value of the relationship between value chain variables and extension service delivery across Mali (0.485), Nigeria (0.621), Ethiopia (0.426), Uganda (0.529), and the combined countries (0.511) indicates that the variation of the dependent variables can account for 48.5% of the variation in the values of the independent variable (extension service delivery) in Mali, 62.1% in Nigeria, 42.6% in Ethiopia, 52.9% in Uganda, and 51.1% in the combined countries. Farmers' access to agricultural labour, credit services, inputs for agriculture, and output markets was restricted by the ban on travel and social gatherings. Smallholder farmers should employ digital solutions more to strengthen the agricultural value chain's actors' resilience against potential pandemics or conflicts, according to the study's implications for extension services. This will reduce the requirement for extensive personal touch and travel in the delivery of extension services. The study also highlights how crucial it is for extension services to show tangible outcomes and benefits in order to increase farming communities' and value chain actors' resilience in any difficult circumstances. Key words: COVID-19, food systems, extension services, value chain actors, output markets