Vibesdoc

To better understand our offering's market perception, we carried out a survey answered by more than 250 people anonymously. According to survey results and feedback gathered, the target market that would pay for such a solution and the most interested in pursuing it would be 20 to 40-year-olds, primarily female, college-educated, higher income, and interested in health.

From this research, we perceived that physicians and patients do not trust the power of an AI enough to rely on it solely for diagnosis. Nevertheless, when feeling sick, they would pay a premium price for a service that guides them on steps to take to get the needed help.

Patients would use Vibesdoc to understand better their symptoms and what they mean and find the right professional to help them. Physicians would also use the service as an additional tool to get more information from the patient before their visit.

Currently, people go to hospitals, labs or clinics to get guidance and testing for potential diseases. Patients have to rely on self-research on symptoms, practitioners, and tests before getting the needed aid to get treatment

Vibesdoc is a patient engagement tool for prompt diagnosis using patients' case information gathered from a survey & genetic sequencing with an AI backend. This tool computes the probability of a diagnostic given a patient's case variables leveraging large data sets to increase accuracy. Because of the pandemic, we focused first on building a solution to help diagnose COVID-19. However, the same code with few alterations can catch chronic conditions or identify rare diseases promptly.

With Vibesdoc's survey results matching patient symptoms with diagnosis, we would promptly identify diseases and provide users with suggestions on practitioners and institutions that could help them alleviate those. It would also suggest further tests to verify diagnosis possibilities and provide selected professionals with a probability estimate of such results and an alert depending on the urgency of treatment required. The results would also be displayed in an explainable visual manner to help people understand.

The current target market would be the low-hanging fruit for the capabilities of our solution. Nevertheless, because many women from Central America & Caribbean urban centres are already used to taking rapid tests (for pregnancy, for example), providing them with tools to get tested for more conditions (such as with genetic sequencing) would have a higher probability of catching on. From our survey results, we believe that these initial adopters will also promote such offerings first with their loved ones and then in their communities, as testing is heavily needed in the region regardless.

As institutions, practitioners, and patients start seeing local success examples of prompt disease detection, the solution would gain popularity and impact the entire healthcare system. An autonomous solution that would handle massive testing would also benefit governments from the region to fall back on in case of a future pandemic.

Utilising already FDA-approved lateral flow assays, and genetic sequencing exams would also provide an option to provide testing in remote areas of the Americas when needed as those are relatively low-cost and easily shippable. Pairing such results with our survey would increase their reliability and utilise the ability to be further integrated with patient medical records.

Roberto Baldizon, our founder and team lead, has vast experience in business, engineering, and informatics, having launched and worked in ventures in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States. Our core team of advisors are field experts. 

Our team has succeeded in increasing the accuracy of Covid lateral flow assays. We increased the accuracy of tests from 70% to 86% using big data to correlate patient answers from a survey to unidentifiable case data. For this project, we would shoot for doing the same for all rapid tests for contagious diseases. The algorithms developed and tweaked in this project will recommend patients appropriately to the right practitioner to alleviate their symptoms.

We all consider ourselves global citizens and have a pragmatic view of science and technology's potential applications for bettering our world. Demographically, we all fit the initial target market, which seems to perceive Vibesdoc the most highly, for which our personal experience and immediate networks will prove valuable.

Vibesdoc is a tool leveraging big data to aid in the diagnosis, using existing tools such as EHRs/EMRs, rapid testing, cloud computing, and mobile internet access through a smartphone.  Although the application of such algorithms is not completely uncommon, it is not a new technology, and neither are symptom checkers to recommend patients for further actions.

That said, the application for which Vibesdoc is intended is innovative in itself. Current patient engagement tools focus on a small part of the patient journey, such as optimising for SEO searches, or aiding in easier appointment booking, or simply allowing for a vast library of medical knowledge to be available online for patients to research.

Vibesdoc intends to merge these technologies and become more of an automated tool that will optimise general practitioners' role in identifying potential diagnoses and appropriately directing patients to further testing or specialists from a place of learned experience and not hunched guess. Thus, Vibesdoc's power lies in the tool's synergistic nature, tailored by practitioners and field experts through enhanced collaborations with leading institutions to build a genuinely working tool that makes medicine understandable and actionable for people to participate voluntarily.

First and foremost, Vibesdoc addresses the critical issue of healthcare accessibility, particularly for remote and lower-income populations. Vibesdoc is an automated tool offering early disease detection, leveraging cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence. By doing so, it effectively bridges the healthcare access gap. It facilitates timely medical assistance and promotes good health among underserved communities.

Moreover, Vibesdoc places a strong emphasis on the early detection of diseases. The platform identifies diseases and supports prompt diagnosis using AI and extensive datasets. Early detection is a cornerstone of preventing the progression of illnesses, alleviating the burden on healthcare systems, and ultimately improving the well-being of individuals by increasing their chances of recovery and reducing the severity of health issues.
The empowerment of patients is another crucial facet of Vibesdoc's impact. By furnishing patients with information about their symptoms and potential diagnoses, the platform equips individuals with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions regarding their health. This empowerment enhances individual agency and encourages patients to actively participate in their healthcare actively, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.
Efficiency in healthcare systems is a central focus for Vibesdoc. By optimising patient flows and enhancing the integration of technology and data, the platform strives to improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery. Efficient healthcare systems translate into quicker access to care, reduced waiting times, and, consequently, better health outcomes and overall well-being among patients.
Vibesdoc also makes significant strides in technology and data integration, effectively working alongside existing healthcare systems like Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and Electronic Medical Records (EMRs). This integration results in more comprehensive patient information, which, in turn, leads to better-informed diagnoses and improved healthcare outcomes. The utilisation of technology and data thus plays a pivotal role in enhancing healthcare delivery, aligning with the goals of UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.
The platform's strategic targeting of specific demographics, such as women in Central America and the Caribbean, is an approach that could have far-reaching effects on healthcare access and well-being. By catering to the preferences and needs of populations already accustomed to rapid testing, Vibesdoc stands to increase healthcare service adoption significantly. As more individuals access essential healthcare tools and services, overall health and well-being in these regions will likely improve.
Data privacy and security are paramount in healthcare, and Vibesdoc recognises their significance. By partnering with blockchain companies focused on self-sovereign identity solutions, the platform takes measures to safeguard patient data. This commitment to privacy and security is pivotal in establishing trust within the healthcare sector, contributing to overall well-being by ensuring that sensitive health information remains confidential and secure.
In summary, Vibesdoc's innovative approach to healthcare diagnosis and its focus on accessibility, early disease detection, patient empowerment, healthcare efficiency, technology integration, demographic targeting, and data security align comprehensively with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 for Good Health and Well-Being. The platform holds significant potential to positively impact healthcare outcomes and enhance the well-being of individuals and communities, particularly in underserved regions.

Vibesdoc's core strength lies in its sophisticated AI backend, which drives its ability to identify diseases, correlate symptoms, and offer diagnostic predictions with high quantifiable confidence. The AI architecture of Vibesdoc comprises several key elements:

1. Machine Learning Algorithms: Vibesdoc harnesses the power of machine learning algorithms to process and analyse extensive datasets encompassing medical symptoms, patient case information, and diagnostic outcomes. This analytical capability is essential for generating precise predictions and recommendations that guide medical decisions effectively.
2. Big Data Analytics: To manage and make sense of the substantial datasets involved, Vibesdoc strategically uses big data analytics. This approach is valuable for unveiling disease patterns, correlating symptoms, and delivering accurate diagnostic recommendations. Vibesdoc's reliance on extensive and diverse datasets significantly elevates the precision of its diagnostic capabilities.

As for the foundational data that underpins Vibesdoc's AI capabilities, it draws from a range of sources to construct a comprehensive and reliable dataset:

1. Survey Data: Vibesdoc collects valuable patient symptom data via surveys, offering direct insights into patients' symptoms, conditions, and demographic information. These surveys constitute an invaluable source of information, pivotal for connecting patient-reported symptoms with potential diagnoses.
2. Patient Case Data: Vibesdoc may access anonymised patient case data from diverse healthcare institutions and sources. This data proves invaluable in training AI algorithms and improving their diagnostic accuracy.
3. External Medical Databases: The platform further enriches its dataset by tapping into external medical databases and research repositories. This valuable external data comprises vast medical knowledge, treatment guidelines, and the latest research findings. It plays a pivotal role in enhancing the accuracy and relevance of diagnostic suggestions.

Vibesdoc's strategy for obtaining curated data entails forging ongoing collaborations with healthcare institutions, research organisations, and other sources. These partnerships are instrumental in gaining access to high-quality medical records, genetic sequencing data, and anonymised patient case information. Vigilant data curation and quality control processes are integral to ensure that the data used by Vibesdoc remains accurate, reliable, and up-to-date.

Vibesdoc adheres to pertinent regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR to maintain patient data privacy and security. This commitment to data protection ensures that patient information is managed responsibly and ethically. The seamless synergy between its advanced AI components and curated, high-quality data sources forms the bedrock of Vibesdoc's capacity to provide dependable and actionable diagnostic suggestions, ultimately contributing to the advancement of healthcare and the overall well-being of individuals.

Ensuring the ethical and responsible use of AI is a fundamental commitment for Vibesdoc, and it's at the forefront of our approach as we develop and deploy our solution. To address and mitigate potential risks, we have implemented several key measures:

1. Privacy and Security: Vibesdoc places a high priority on safeguarding patient data. We know the privacy and security concerns associated with healthcare information. To address these concerns, we adhere to stringent data protection regulations. We employ encryption and access controls to protect sensitive information. As Vibesdoc scales, we will continue to invest in state-of-the-art security measures to maintain the privacy and security of patient data.

2. Data Anonymisation: To mitigate privacy risks, we utilise data anonymisation techniques to ensure that patient data used for analysis is devoid of any personally identifiable information. This anonymisation process helps in conducting analysis and research without compromising individual privacy.

3. Transparency and Explainability: Vibesdoc is committed to providing transparency in its operations. Users will receive clear and understandable explanations of the diagnostic suggestions and their reasoning. 

4. Regular Risk Assessments: Vibesdoc conducts regular risk assessments to identify potential ethical and security risks. We proactively review our data handling processes, security protocols, and data usage to address any vulnerabilities that may arise as the solution scales. These risk assessments help us make informed decisions and take necessary actions to mitigate identified risks.

5. Policy Implications: Vibesdoc is mindful of the broader policy implications of AI in healthcare. We stay engaged with regulatory and policy developments to ensure our solution aligns with evolving healthcare standards and regulations. 

6. Ethical Oversight: Our commitment to ethical AI extends to our internal oversight. We maintain an ethics committee that continually evaluates the impact of our AI on patients and the healthcare system. This committee ensures that ethical considerations are at the core of our decision-making processes.

7. User Consent and Control: We prioritise user consent and control over their data. 

8. Bias Mitigation: Vibesdoc is dedicated to addressing biases in AI algorithms. We actively work to reduce biases in our AI models to ensure that diagnostic recommendations are fair and equitable for all individuals, irrespective of their demographic characteristics.

Our focus on privacy, data security, transparency, policy compliance, ethical oversight, and user control underscores our commitment to ensuring that our solution contributes positively to the healthcare system while safeguarding the well-being and privacy of patients.

Vibesdoc has been developed voluntarily, and the team has subsidised its development. Therefore, the current operating costs are minimal and mainly involve expenses associated with technology, occasional operational costs, and any legal or regulatory compliance expenses that have arisen during the initial development phase.

Vibesdoc anticipates a shift from voluntary development to a more structured and resource-intensive approach for the next year. The projected operating costs for the next year, including human capital estimates, are as follows:

1. Core Team Salaries: Vibesdoc plans to hire a core team of three full-time high-calibre members responsible for various aspects of the project, including development, outreach to business partners, and compliance with regulations. 
2. Advisor Compensation: To incentivise advisors, Vibesdoc will allocate a budget of five figures to compensate ten advisors for their time and expertise.
3. Operational Expenses: This category includes memberships and subscriptions, such as co-working spaces and general operating expenses for running the organisation. 
4. Cloud Credits: Vibesdoc plans to apply for cloud credits from technology companies to subsidise its cloud infrastructure costs, which could otherwise be a significant expense.
5. Initial Development and Launch Expenses: To take Vibesdoc beyond the development stage and launch it effectively, the team anticipates a budget of around $400,000 for the initial year. This budget is allocated to cover unexpected costs and ensure a smooth launch.

Future Operating Costs (Following Three Years): Vibesdoc expects the budget to remain relatively consistent in the following three years, maintaining the $400,000 USD budgetary allocation. However, the focus on expenses is expected to shift. Instead of intense development, the expenses will be redirected toward a more robust legal team and increased business development outreach to engage potential partners.

Vibesdoc's budgetary planning balances technical development, legal compliance, and strategic partnerships. It demonstrates a well-structured approach to scaling the solution while adapting to the project's changing needs over time. These cost estimates and allocation provide insight into Vibesdoc's financial planning as it aims to improve healthcare accessibility and diagnostic capabilities.

Vibesdoc is seeking funding to continue its work in 2024. The funding request for the year 2024 could be reduced as part of the Cure Residency as many operating expenses could be reduced. Such validation could increase potential value for stakeholders by shifting the possibility of lower salaries with equity compensation. Therefore, ideally, if part of the Cure Residency, the project could continue with funding of $100,000. This funding amount was selected based on several factors:

1. Scale of Development: Vibesdoc recognises that the cost of development can vary significantly based on the scale and complexity of the solution. To effectively continue and scale the project, the team has determined that a six-figure budget is necessary to support its growth and expansion.
2. Quality Team: Vibesdoc aims to assemble a high-calibre and robust team to work on the project. This includes hiring a core team of three full-time members who will play essential roles in development, outreach to business partners, and regulatory compliance. Quality team members require appropriate compensation, which contributes to the budgetary requirements.
3. Advisor Compensation: To incentivise and retain advisors, Vibesdoc plans to allocate a budget of five figures to compensate ten advisors for their time and expertise. This budget is essential to ensure ongoing support and guidance from experienced advisors.
4. Launch and Unexpected Costs: A significant portion of the budget is allocated to cover unexpected costs that may arise during the initial development and launch phase. This buffer is crucial to ensure Vibesdoc can navigate unforeseen challenges and continue its work without interruptions.

Participating in the Cure Residency program would offer invaluable support to Vibesdoc in several ways. The aspects of the Cure Residency that would be most exciting for Vibesdoc include:

1. Seed Funding: The provided seed funding would be instrumental in advancing Vibesdoc's mission and taking the project to the next level. It would enable the team to invest in further research and development, expand the scope of the solution, and accelerate its growth. The financial support would be inspiring, as it can significantly contribute to achieving key milestones.
2. Mentorship: Mentorship is a vital component of the Cure Residency program. Access to experienced mentors would provide Vibesdoc with guidance, insights, and expertise to navigate the complex landscape of healthcare and technology. The opportunity to learn from mentors with a wealth of knowledge in the field would be immensely beneficial in making informed decisions, refining strategies, and overcoming challenges.
3. Educational Programming: Educational programming offered through the Cure Residency would enhance Vibesdoc's knowledge and skills. These programs would empower the team to stay updated with the latest healthcare, AI, and entrepreneurship advancements. This continuous learning and education are critical to maintaining the project's relevance and effectiveness.
4. Lab Space: Access to lab space is invaluable, especially for a project focusing on healthcare technology. It would provide a dedicated environment for research, experimentation, and development. The availability of lab space would facilitate hands-on work and foster innovation, which is crucial for the growth of Vibesdoc.
5. Networking Opportunities: The networking opportunities within the Cure Residency program would connect Vibesdoc with a diverse and influential community of professionals, experts, and fellow innovators. Building solid networks can lead to partnerships, collaborations, and exposure to potential investors or partners. These connections are essential for the project's success and scalability.

We envision the Cure Residency as a transformative opportunity providing financial support and the essential resources and guidance to propel the project forward. The combination of seed funding, mentorship, educational programming, lab space, and networking opportunities would position Vibesdoc for accelerated growth and a more significant impact on healthcare accessibility and diagnostics.