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Digital Health in Zambia Engineering Excellence & Technical Support

Digital Health solutions. High-standard technical execution following OEM protocols and local regulatory frameworks.

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Mobile-First mHealth for Remote Diagnostics

Leveraging the widespread adoption of mobile phones, innovative mHealth platforms are enabling remote patient consultations and preliminary diagnostics. These solutions connect rural communities with healthcare professionals via SMS, USSD, and simple mobile applications, significantly reducing travel burdens and improving access to timely medical advice, especially for non-emergency conditions.

Cloud-Based Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

The implementation of cloud-based EHR systems is revolutionizing patient data management. These secure, scalable platforms allow for centralized storage and accessibility of patient records across different health facilities. This enhances continuity of care, reduces medical errors, and provides valuable data for public health monitoring and policy-making at a national level.

AI-Powered Disease Surveillance and Outbreak Prediction

Zambian researchers and tech innovators are increasingly integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into disease surveillance systems. By analyzing diverse data streams including social media trends, syndromic surveillance data, and environmental factors, AI algorithms can identify early warning signs of potential outbreaks and predict their trajectory, allowing for proactive public health interventions and resource allocation.

What Is Digital Health In Zambia?

Digital health in Zambia refers to the application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to improve health services, patient care, and public health outcomes within the country. It encompasses a wide range of tools and platforms, from mobile health (mHealth) applications and electronic health records (EHRs) to telemedicine, data analytics, and digital health registries. The core idea is to leverage technology to make healthcare more accessible, efficient, affordable, and effective for the Zambian population.

Key Initiatives/AreasExamples in Zambia
mHealth for HIV/AIDS and TB ProgramsSMS-based reminders for ARV adherence, community health worker reporting using mobile apps (e.g., DHIS2 mobile)
Electronic Health Records (EHRs)Pilot projects in selected hospitals and clinics, efforts to standardize data collection and interoperability
Health Management Information Systems (HMIS)DHIS2 (District Health Information Software 2) is widely used for data collection and reporting at various levels of the health system.
TelemedicineLimited but growing use, particularly for specialist consultations in urban centers and for training purposes.
Digital Health Worker TrainingOnline platforms and e-learning modules for continuous professional development of healthcare staff.
Vaccine RegistriesDigital systems for tracking vaccination status and managing immunization programs.

Importance of Digital Health in Zambia

  • Improving Access to Healthcare: Overcoming geographical barriers, especially in rural and remote areas, by enabling remote consultations, diagnostics, and health information dissemination.
  • Enhancing Efficiency and Data Management: Streamlining administrative processes, reducing paperwork, and enabling better tracking of patient data, disease outbreaks, and resource allocation through EHRs and digital registries.
  • Strengthening Disease Surveillance and Response: Facilitating real-time data collection and analysis for early detection and rapid response to public health emergencies and endemic diseases.
  • Empowering Patients and Communities: Providing individuals with access to health information, appointment scheduling, medication reminders, and tools for self-management of chronic conditions.
  • Supporting Healthcare Professionals: Offering tools for continuous professional development, access to up-to-date medical knowledge, and improved communication among healthcare providers.
  • Optimizing Resource Allocation: Using data analytics to identify health trends, understand service utilization, and make informed decisions about resource deployment.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs through improved prevention, early detection, and more efficient service delivery.

Who Benefits From Digital Health In Zambia?

Digital health in Zambia offers a broad spectrum of benefits, impacting various stakeholders and a range of healthcare facility types. The adoption and expansion of digital health solutions are driven by the potential to improve health outcomes, enhance efficiency, and expand access to care across the nation. Understanding who benefits and where these benefits are realized is crucial for effective implementation and sustainability.

Healthcare Facility TypeDigital Health ApplicationsSpecific Benefits
Hospitals (Tertiary and Secondary)Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), Telemedicine platforms, Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), Hospital Information Systems (HIS)Improved patient management, faster diagnostics and treatment, efficient data analysis for hospital operations, specialized remote consultations, reduced medical errors.
Health Centers (Primary Care)EHRs (simplified), Mobile health (mHealth) for community health workers, appointment scheduling systems, diagnostic support tools, telemedicine for basic consultationsEnhanced patient registration and follow-up, improved data collection from the community, increased accessibility to basic medical advice, better management of chronic diseases.
Rural and Remote ClinicsmHealth for data collection and reporting, basic telemedicine for expert consultation, digital diagnostic aids, solar-powered charging stations for devicesBridging geographical barriers, enabling remote support for health workers, improving the accuracy of diagnoses in underserved areas, ensuring continuity of care.
Specialized Centers (e.g., HIV clinics, TB centers)Patient management systems, adherence monitoring tools (e.g., SMS reminders), data analytics for program monitoring, virtual training for staffImproved tracking of patient cohorts, better adherence rates, targeted interventions, continuous capacity building of specialized staff.
Community Health PostsmHealth applications for data entry, symptom checkers, referral systems, educational materials for health promotionEmpowering community health workers, early detection of health issues, efficient referral pathways, improved health literacy within communities.

Target Stakeholders and Their Benefits from Digital Health in Zambia

  • {"title":"Patients/Citizens","description":"Access to better health information, easier appointment scheduling, remote consultations (telemedicine), faster access to test results, improved adherence to treatment plans, and potentially reduced travel time and costs for seeking healthcare."}
  • {"title":"Healthcare Professionals (Doctors, Nurses, Community Health Workers)","description":"Improved diagnostic tools, access to up-to-date medical knowledge, streamlined record-keeping, efficient communication with colleagues, reduced administrative burden, remote patient monitoring, and enhanced professional development opportunities."}
  • {"title":"Healthcare Facility Administrators/Managers","description":"Optimized resource allocation, improved inventory management, better patient flow, enhanced data collection for planning and reporting, increased operational efficiency, and potential for cost savings."}
  • {"title":"Ministry of Health (MoH) and Government Agencies","description":"Improved health data for evidence-based policymaking, better disease surveillance and outbreak response, enhanced program monitoring and evaluation, increased accountability, and greater efficiency in public health service delivery."}
  • {"title":"Researchers and Academics","description":"Access to larger and more diverse datasets for research, facilitation of collaborative research projects, and potential for quicker dissemination of findings."}
  • {"title":"Technology Providers and Innovators","description":"Opportunities for business growth and development, creation of new markets for digital health solutions, and contribution to national development."}
  • {"title":"Donors and Development Partners","description":"Increased transparency and accountability in project implementation, better evidence of impact for their investments, and a more scalable and sustainable approach to health system strengthening."}

Digital Health Implementation Framework

This Digital Health Implementation Framework outlines a comprehensive, step-by-step lifecycle for successfully integrating digital health solutions into healthcare organizations. It covers the entire journey from initial assessment and planning through to deployment, optimization, and final sign-off. The framework emphasizes a structured, iterative approach to ensure alignment with organizational goals, patient needs, and regulatory requirements.

StageKey ActivitiesDeliverablesKey StakeholdersCritical Success Factors
Stage 1: Assessment & StrategyDefine organizational vision and goals for digital health. Conduct needs assessment and gap analysis. Identify key stakeholders and their requirements. Evaluate existing infrastructure and resources. Research potential digital health solutions. Develop a strategic roadmap.Digital Health Strategy Document, Needs Assessment Report, Stakeholder Analysis, Technology Readiness Assessment, Business Case.Executive Leadership, IT Department, Clinical Leadership, Department Heads, Patient Representatives.Clear vision and executive sponsorship. Thorough understanding of current state. Alignment with organizational goals. Realistic resource allocation.
Stage 2: Planning & DesignSelect appropriate digital health solution(s). Define detailed functional and technical requirements. Develop project plan and timeline. Establish governance structure and roles. Design user workflows and interface. Plan for data migration and integration. Develop risk management plan.Solution Requirements Document, Project Plan, Governance Framework, Workflow Designs, Data Migration Plan, Risk Management Plan.Project Manager, IT Team, Clinical Champions, Solution Vendor, Security Team, Legal/Compliance.Detailed requirements gathering. Robust project planning. Effective communication channels. Strong vendor partnership. Proactive risk identification.
Stage 3: Development & ConfigurationConfigure and customize the chosen digital health solution. Develop any necessary custom modules or integrations. Establish data security and privacy controls. Set up infrastructure and environments. Prepare training materials.Configured Solution, Developed Customizations, Integrated Systems, Security Protocols, Training Materials Draft.IT Development Team, Solution Vendor, System Administrators, Security Specialists.Adherence to technical specifications. Robust security implementation. Scalable architecture. Thorough documentation.
Stage 4: Testing & ValidationConduct unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing (UAT). Validate system performance and security. Test data integrity and migration processes. Identify and resolve defects. Obtain user feedback.Test Cases and Scripts, Test Reports, Defect Log, UAT Sign-off Forms, Performance & Security Reports.Testing Team, Clinical Users, IT Team, Solution Vendor.Comprehensive test coverage. Active user involvement in UAT. Thorough defect tracking and resolution. Validation of critical workflows.
Stage 5: Deployment & TrainingDevelop and execute deployment plan. Conduct end-user training. Migrate data to the new system. Go-live support. Communicate launch to all stakeholders.Deployed Digital Health Solution, Trained End-Users, Migrated Data, Go-Live Support Plan, Communication Plan.Project Team, IT Operations, Training Department, End-Users, Support Staff.Effective change management. Comprehensive training program. Smooth data migration. Adequate support resources. Clear communication.
Stage 6: Monitoring & OptimizationMonitor system performance, usage, and user satisfaction. Collect feedback for continuous improvement. Identify areas for optimization. Implement enhancements and updates. Track key performance indicators (KPIs).Performance Monitoring Reports, User Feedback Summaries, Optimization Recommendations, KPI Dashboards, Updated System Documentation.IT Operations, Clinical Informatics, Super Users, Analytics Team, Project Manager.Proactive monitoring. Data-driven decision-making. Agile response to feedback. Continuous learning and improvement.
Stage 7: Review & Sign-offConduct a post-implementation review. Evaluate achievement of initial goals and objectives. Document lessons learned. Obtain formal sign-off from key stakeholders. Transition to ongoing operational support.Post-Implementation Review Report, Lessons Learned Document, Final Project Sign-off, Operational Support Handover Document.Executive Leadership, Project Sponsor, Key Stakeholders, Project Team.Objective evaluation of project success. Documentation of all findings. Formal acceptance of the implemented solution. Clear handover to operations.

Digital Health Implementation Lifecycle Stages

  • Stage 1: Assessment & Strategy
  • Stage 2: Planning & Design
  • Stage 3: Development & Configuration
  • Stage 4: Testing & Validation
  • Stage 5: Deployment & Training
  • Stage 6: Monitoring & Optimization
  • Stage 7: Review & Sign-off

Digital Health Pricing Factors In Zambia

Digital health in Zambia, while offering immense potential for improved healthcare access and efficiency, is influenced by a multifaceted pricing structure. The cost of implementing and sustaining digital health solutions is not a monolithic figure but rather a composite of various interconnected factors. These factors range from the initial investment in hardware and software to the ongoing operational expenses, human resource development, and the specific scope and complexity of the digital health intervention. Understanding these variables is crucial for policymakers, healthcare providers, and technology developers to ensure sustainable and equitable deployment of digital health services across the nation. This breakdown provides a detailed examination of these cost drivers and their typical ranges within the Zambian context.

Cost VariableDescriptionTypical Range (USD)Notes
Hardware InfrastructureComputers, smartphones, tablets, servers, network equipment, medical devices with digital interfaces, backup power solutions.50 - 5,000+ per device; Servers can range from 2,000 - 20,000+Varies significantly based on device type, quality, and quantity. Bulk purchasing can reduce unit costs.
Software and Platform CostsElectronic Health Records (EHR) systems, telemedicine platforms, mobile health (mHealth) applications, data analytics software, learning management systems (LMS) for training.Licensing: 50 - 500+ per user/per month; Customization/Development: 1,000 - 50,000+Open-source options can significantly reduce licensing costs but may incur higher development/customization expenses. Cloud-based solutions often have recurring subscription fees.
Connectivity and Data CostsInternet service provision (fiber, mobile data), satellite internet (in remote areas), data bundles for devices.5 - 50+ per month per location/deviceCosts are highly dependent on geographical location, chosen provider, and data volume requirements. Rural areas often face higher costs and lower reliability.
Human Resources and TrainingSalaries for IT specialists, data entry clerks, digital health coordinators, trainers. Training workshops, materials, and facilitator fees.Training: 50 - 500+ per participant; Personnel: 300 - 1,500+ per month (salary)Investment in training is critical for adoption and long-term success. Skilled personnel can be scarce and may command higher salaries.
Implementation and IntegrationProject management, site preparation, installation, configuration, data migration, user acceptance testing, change management.1,000 - 10,000+ per project/siteComplexity of integration with existing systems and the scale of deployment significantly impact these costs.
Maintenance and SupportTechnical support contracts, software updates, bug fixes, hardware repairs, remote assistance.5 - 20% of initial software/hardware cost per yearEssential for ensuring system reliability and longevity. Proactive maintenance can prevent more costly issues later.
Security and Privacy ComplianceFirewalls, antivirus software, data encryption, access controls, security audits, compliance consulting.200 - 2,000+ per yearIncreasingly important as digital health solutions handle sensitive patient data. Costs can escalate with advanced security measures.
Scalability and CustomizationModifying software features, expanding user base, adding new modules, adapting to specific workflows.Varies widely, from minor adjustments (hundreds of dollars) to major overhauls (thousands to tens of thousands of dollars)Often driven by evolving needs of the health system or specific program requirements. Customization can increase initial costs but improve long-term utility.
Regulatory and Compliance CostsFees for certifications, adherence to national health information standards, legal consultations for data privacy.50 - 500+ per year (depending on complexity and services)Ensuring compliance with Ministry of Health guidelines and data protection laws is a necessary, albeit often overlooked, cost.

Key Digital Health Pricing Factors in Zambia

  • Hardware Infrastructure: This encompasses the initial purchase and ongoing maintenance of essential physical components.
  • Software and Platform Costs: This includes licensing fees, customization, and development of digital health applications and management systems.
  • Connectivity and Data Costs: Essential for the functioning of most digital health solutions, this covers internet access and data transmission.
  • Human Resources and Training: The cost associated with acquiring, training, and retaining skilled personnel to operate and manage digital health systems.
  • Implementation and Integration: Expenses related to the initial setup, deployment, and integration of digital health solutions with existing healthcare infrastructure.
  • Maintenance and Support: Ongoing costs for technical support, software updates, and hardware repairs to ensure system functionality.
  • Security and Privacy Compliance: Costs associated with implementing robust security measures and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
  • Scalability and Customization: Expenses incurred when adapting or expanding digital health solutions to meet evolving needs or specific local requirements.
  • Regulatory and Compliance Costs: Fees and efforts associated with meeting national and international standards and regulations for digital health technologies.

Value-driven Digital Health Solutions

Digital health solutions offer immense potential for improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency. However, realizing this potential requires a strategic approach to budgeting and maximizing Return on Investment (ROI). This involves carefully selecting solutions that align with organizational goals, meticulously planning implementation, and establishing robust measurement frameworks. The key lies in moving beyond a purely technology-centric view to a value-driven perspective, where the impact on clinical, operational, and financial metrics is paramount.

Cost CategoryROI ConsiderationOptimization Strategies
Software Licensing & Subscription FeesOngoing operational cost. Consider long-term value and scalability.Negotiate multi-year contracts, explore tiered pricing, and ensure clear usage rights.
Implementation & IntegrationOne-time but significant upfront cost. Crucial for successful adoption.Phased rollout, prioritize interoperability, leverage vendor expertise, and conduct thorough testing.
Training & User SupportImpacts adoption rates and long-term effectiveness. Often underestimated.Comprehensive training programs, ongoing support channels, super-user programs, and clear communication.
Hardware & InfrastructureMay be required for certain solutions. Assess necessity and explore cloud-based options.Leverage existing infrastructure where possible, consider BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies, and explore cloud hosting.
Data Management & SecurityEssential for compliance and trust. Costs associated with storage, security, and analytics.Invest in robust security measures, streamline data collection, and utilize analytics platforms for insights.
Maintenance & UpdatesOngoing costs to ensure functionality and security. Factor into budget.Understand vendor maintenance plans, prioritize critical updates, and assess the value of new features.
Clinical Outcome ImprovementDirect impact on patient care and potential cost savings (e.g., reduced readmissions).Focus on solutions with proven clinical efficacy, track patient outcomes meticulously, and disseminate best practices.
Operational Efficiency GainsReduced administrative burden, streamlined workflows, improved staff productivity.Quantify time saved, reduce errors, and automate repetitive tasks through digital solutions.
Patient Engagement & SatisfactionImproved adherence, better self-management, enhanced patient experience.Measure patient satisfaction scores, track engagement metrics, and gather patient feedback.
Revenue Generation & Cost AvoidanceIncreased patient throughput, new service offerings, avoidance of penalties or costly interventions.Model potential revenue streams and cost savings accurately, track financial metrics, and identify new opportunities.

Key Strategies for Optimizing Digital Health Budgets and ROI

  • Define Clear Objectives and KPIs: Before investing, establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. What problem are you trying to solve? What outcomes do you expect to see?
  • Prioritize Solutions with Demonstrable Value: Focus on digital health tools that have a proven track record or a strong business case for improving efficiency, reducing costs, enhancing patient engagement, or improving clinical outcomes.
  • Conduct Thorough Due Diligence: Evaluate vendors and solutions based on their technical capabilities, security protocols, interoperability, scalability, and customer support. Request case studies and references.
  • Phased Implementation and Pilot Programs: Start with smaller, controlled rollouts to test the effectiveness of the solution and identify any unforeseen challenges before a full-scale deployment. This minimizes risk and allows for adjustments.
  • Integrate with Existing Workflows: Solutions that seamlessly integrate into current clinical and administrative processes will have higher adoption rates and less disruption, leading to quicker ROI realization.
  • Focus on User Adoption and Training: Invest in comprehensive training and ongoing support for all users (clinicians, patients, administrators) to ensure they can effectively leverage the technology. Low adoption rates will negate potential benefits.
  • Establish Robust Data Collection and Analytics: Implement systems to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and measure the impact of the digital health solution against your initial objectives. Regularly analyze this data to identify areas for improvement.
  • Quantify All Costs and Benefits: Beyond the upfront purchase price, consider all associated costs (implementation, training, maintenance, integration, ongoing support). Equally, quantify all anticipated benefits, including cost savings, revenue generation, and improved patient outcomes.
  • Negotiate Smartly with Vendors: Understand your needs and leverage market knowledge to negotiate favorable pricing, licensing terms, and service level agreements. Consider value-based pricing models where applicable.
  • Regularly Re-evaluate and Optimize: The digital health landscape evolves rapidly. Periodically review the performance of your solutions, identify opportunities for enhancement or replacement, and ensure they continue to deliver value.

Franance Health: Managed Digital Health Experts

Franance Health stands as a leader in managed digital health solutions, bringing unparalleled expertise and a robust network of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partnerships to the forefront. Our commitment to delivering high-quality, secure, and scalable digital health services is underpinned by our extensive credentials and strategic alliances.

OEM PartnerSpecializationService Integration
Philips HealthcareMedical Imaging & MonitoringSeamless integration of imaging data and real-time patient monitoring feeds into our managed platforms.
GE HealthcareDiagnostic Equipment & IT SolutionsIntegration with GE's advanced diagnostics and healthcare IT infrastructure for comprehensive data aggregation.
MedtronicMedical Devices & TherapiesSecure management and data interoperability for Medtronic's connected devices and therapeutic solutions.
Epic SystemsElectronic Health Records (EHR)Expert integration and data management with Epic's leading EHR system for unified patient records.
Cerner CorporationHealth Information SystemsFacilitating data exchange and workflow optimization with Cerner's comprehensive health IT solutions.
Verily (an Alphabet company)Life Sciences & Health TechPartnership for advanced analytics and innovative digital health solutions leveraging AI and machine learning.

Our Credentials

  • ISO 13485 Certified: Demonstrating our commitment to quality management systems in the medical device industry.
  • HIPAA Compliant: Ensuring the privacy and security of Protected Health Information (PHI).
  • HITRUST Certified: A comprehensive security framework for healthcare organizations.
  • FDA Registered: Adhering to the stringent regulations for medical devices and software.
  • SOC 2 Type II Audited: Validating our commitment to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
  • Experienced Team: Comprising certified professionals with deep expertise in healthcare IT, cybersecurity, and digital health platform management.

Standard Service Specifications

This document outlines the standard service specifications, detailing the minimum technical requirements and deliverables for [Service Name/Type]. Adherence to these specifications is mandatory for all service providers to ensure consistent quality, reliability, and interoperability.

Requirement CategoryMinimum Technical SpecificationVerification MethodDeliverable Format
ArchitectureMicroservices-based, containerized (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) with a clear separation of concerns.Architectural review, code review, container image scans.Diagrams (UML, C4), documentation.API DesignRESTful APIs with OpenAPI/Swagger documentation, adherence to industry standards (e.g., JSON:API).API testing, documentation review.OpenAPI specification file (.yaml/.json).
Data ManagementRelational or NoSQL database (specified by project needs), robust data validation, encryption at rest and in transit.Database schema review, data security audits, penetration testing.Database schema definition, security policy document.
PerformanceResponse times for critical API endpoints < 200ms under 95th percentile load.Load testing, performance monitoring.Performance test reports, monitoring dashboards.
ScalabilityAbility to scale horizontally to handle a 10x increase in load within 1 hour.Scalability testing, load simulation.Scalability test results, infrastructure configuration.
SecurityOWASP Top 10 mitigation, role-based access control (RBAC), regular vulnerability scanning.Security audits, penetration tests, vulnerability scan reports.Security assessment report, access control matrix.
Monitoring & LoggingCentralized logging system (e.g., ELK stack, Splunk) with real-time dashboards for key metrics.System audits, log analysis.Monitoring setup documentation, sample logs.
Error HandlingGraceful error handling with informative error messages and appropriate HTTP status codes.Code review, functional testing.Error code documentation.
Configuration ManagementInfrastructure as Code (IaC) for deployment and configuration (e.g., Terraform, Ansible).IaC code review, deployment validation.IaC scripts, configuration management playbooks.

Key Deliverables and Requirements

  • Detailed Technical Design Document: A comprehensive document outlining the architecture, components, interfaces, and data flows of the service.
  • Service Level Agreement (SLA): Clearly defined metrics for availability, performance, response times, and support.
  • Security Compliance Report: Evidence of adherence to relevant security standards and best practices.
  • Testing and Validation Plan: A detailed plan for unit, integration, system, and user acceptance testing.
  • Deployment and Operational Guide: Instructions for deploying, configuring, monitoring, and maintaining the service.
  • User Documentation: Comprehensive guides for end-users and administrators.
  • Source Code/Configuration Files: Access to all necessary source code and configuration files for the service.
  • Performance Benchmarks: Documented evidence of performance meeting or exceeding defined benchmarks.
  • Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plan: Strategies for ensuring service continuity in case of disruptions.

Local Support & Response Slas

This document outlines the Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for local support and response times, as well as uptime guarantees, across various geographical regions. We are committed to providing reliable service and timely assistance to our users worldwide.

RegionUptime Guarantee (Monthly)Critical Incident Response SLA (within region)General Support Response SLA (within region)
North America (NA)99.95%15 minutes4 business hours
Europe (EU)99.95%15 minutes4 business hours
Asia-Pacific (APAC)99.90%30 minutes8 business hours
Latin America (LATAM)99.90%30 minutes8 business hours
Middle East & Africa (MEA)99.85%60 minutes12 business hours

Key Service Guarantees

  • Uptime Guarantees: Ensures maximum availability of our services.
  • Response Time SLAs: Defines the maximum time for initial response to support inquiries.
  • Resolution Time Objectives: Outlines targets for resolving support issues (not a strict SLA for all cases).
  • Regional Availability: Details specific guarantees and support structures for different geographical zones.
In-Depth Guidance

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