How Disruptive is RAP?

Whilst we are all waiting the results of the US trials, which does really equate to 'No News' - let's stand back a little and see how disruptive RAP will be.

I see it being disruptive on Four Fronts:

1 - the obvious, taking what is now effectively a hybrid analogue/guess process: i.e. GP or Hospital, using a stethoscope to determine if there is an underlying respiratory condition, and then making a 'best guess' as to what the symptom is, and then making a 'best practice evaluation of further tests of treatments. RAP replaces this with a digital process, whereby an immediate comparison to an ever growing database on information, to not only pinpoint the symptom, but an 'absolute' definition of best treatement.

2-The little less obvious- is the financial model that will be the basis of RAP revenue: currently what happens? The GP or hospital will have the patients details filed with Medicare (or equivalent) the GP then processes the consultation, and this then moves through the system like a piece of food working it's way through a digestive tract. The ability to outsource the consultation to a trained operator, will further HAVE to involve the payment system process, however this is done in whatever location. The important thing to understand here is the fact that the consultation and the payment system are mutually inclusive, rather than two completely different processes. This in itself is very significant in the overall process.

3-There will be a global 'standardisation' in the way that respiratory conditions are identified. Again this goes back to point 1, at present the interpretations by GPs in various parts of the world, may differ considerably.

4-Being a self learning algorithm , there is an absolute certainty that the diagnosis accuracy will increase. Additionally, the success of diagnosis of respiratory issues, is only THE FIRST in what may well become a standard model for identifying a host of other ailments.

At present there is no process or system that can tick off all of these points, that is why RAP is a great deal more than just coughing into a smartphone.