We all know that even an experienced doctor sometimes has difficulty in dealing with certain diseases. When faced with a difficult situation, sometimes the doctor will consult with colleagues, or does some research first before taking any further action.
To simplify the entire process, a Canadian startup wants to
offer more effective solution. They learn from the concept that's brought by
Instagram: sharing pictures while exchanging messages and information. Named
Figure 1, this iOS and Android application was first released in 2013 with the
aim that the doctors in various parts of the world can exchange ideas and
collaborate in handling the patients' problems.
In fact, communication between doctors via text message is
quite common done in the United States. Every day, there are more than 10,000
SMS, WhatsApp and emails which contain images and questions are sent in the US,
based on exposure of Dr. Joshua Landy, co-founder of Figure 1.
Not only doctors who can utilize this application, all
medical specialists, including nurses, can take advantage of information that
can be obtained from this service. The Figure 1 users can also obtain
verification based on database that's available publicly.
So what are the advantages of Figure 1 than the SMS,
WhatsApp and email that have become common means to exchange opinions for
medical experts?
First, all the medical experts who join with the Figure 1
can contribute their opinions; remove the restriction that only those listed in
the contact that can give their opinions. When a doctor uploads a photo to
Figure 1, then thousands of other doctors from different countries can provide
comments to help finding the right solutions. The verified specialists could
also be mentioned in order to get useful input from them.
The second is the privacy factor, particularly for the
patients. The Figure 1 establishes a series of guidelines that must be followed
when a medical expert wants to upload photos of his patients. The patient's
face, or any attribute that's easily recognized, should not be visible in the
pictures.
The photos can be edited directly in Figure 1 to cover parts
of the patient's body that's easily recognized. The photos don't need to be
artistic because the most important is the share and learn factors.
The patients will be asked to sign an agreement which will
be kept by the doctors. Once the photos are uploaded, Figure 1 team will review
them one by one; the photos that violate the guidelines will be rejected, it is
important for patient anonymity.
Figure 1 application can be downloaded directly from the AppStore or Google Play.