FAQ
Is this really completely free?
Yes (hardware is not included but you can use your own, see below), we are not exploiting this pandemic to make money. We are a nonprofit that was founded on the principle of accessibility and the best way to ensure as many people as possible can use this service is by making it free.
We are also working with hardware providers to make the cost of all NEO-compatible devices as low as humanly possible.
Where do I buy PhysioQ-compatible devices?
Due to the effects of novel coronavirus on supply chains, it’s quite difficult to get a device at the moment. We are currently working with hardware suppliers to reserve a large amount of devices for NEO users. Once available, we will be posting links on our website to easily purchase these devices. Sign-up for updates.
Approximately how much are the devices?
The fingertip SpO2 monitors range from $40-160 depending on the brand. As this the most important signal to capture, we are focusing on securing these devices first.
Our partner GARMIN has devices that range from $80-150. We recommend the Garmin VIVOSMART 4 for people that don't already have a device. It's the most cost-effective at $99 (we have a discount for those that donate their data to research).
Can I use my own devices? They aren’t on the list of PhysioQ-compatible devices.
Yes. We support manual entry, so, if you are like many families and already have your own thermometers, there’s no need to go out and buy another. Just take the recording and simply enter it into the NEO App.
How do I support this initiative?
Donate
We are offering NEO completely free, but it's quite expensive to build and operate this platform. As more people join, that cost will only go up. As a nonprofit organization, we need your support. Please help us continue making this platform accessible to all.
Share and Like on Social Media
We need your help in spreading our message to as many people, organizations, networks as possible. Together, we can make a difference.
Go old school and call a friend
Given these isolating circumstances, we need human connection now more than ever. Call your friend, make their day, and then make a plan together on how you’ll help spread the word of this initiative.
I want to help but don’t have the funds right now
We totally understand. It’s a difficult time for a lot of people. You are not alone and that’s the reason why we made this free (and worked with hardware providers to make the cost of devices as low as possible).
You can still make a massive impact by helping spread the message to as many people, organizations, networks as possible. See the post above for a list of things you can do. Let’s do it!
So, then, who is paying for this?
Right now, we are currently partially funded by a social enterprise called
Kiipo. They are a small organization working on all types of social ventures, such as creating the first ambulance system in Ethiopia.
We are also hoping for your support. If everyone donates whatever they can afford, we can continue providing impactful services. Every dollar counts!
What's the difference between this and other remote-monitoring products or research studies?
Well, we don't see this as a zero-sum game. We are just offering another solution for people. Our targets are people that are worried about relatives and want something that can help them feel a bit better. And they want to contribute to the fight against COVID-19.
There are a bunch of great studies going on right now. Most of them are really large scale but collect more surface-level data. These are really important, but what we provide is really in-depth data like Pulse-Pulse-Interval (RR-interval) that allows heart rate variability measurements. This will definitely be important when looking closely at the disease.
What about the data and data privacy?
This is a citizen science project, meaning you are the owner of your own data. In joining this project, you have the option of donating your data to the COVID-19 Databank which was created to accelerate research into COVID-19. This will give PhysioQ permission to anonymize your data and use it to create an open database for researchers. All personally identifiable metrics will be removed.
When will things start?
We are currently finishing off some of the final elements to the service and working with third-party manufacturers to get their devices supported by NEO. We are set to kick off in the next month. Early sign-ups will get a chance to join the beta group, and get it before the end of April.
LEGAL DISCLOSURE
For legal reasons, we will structure this as a citizen research project. This is not intended to replace medical treatment or medical diagnosis. We cannot accept liability for the accuracy of third-party hardware.
