In what is another setback for Perth-based digital healthcare operator Resapp, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders has decided not proceed with its planned field evaluation of the group’s software. ResApp’s main product is a cough-based diagnostic test that works with a smartphone to analyse the sound of a patient’s cough and to diagnose any underlying conditions.

Médecins Sans Frontières cited the issues identified by ResApp in its recent clinical trial in the US, as well as the high cost of keeping the project open.

In that trial, two main problems were found. First, that contrary to instructions and training, a high number of patients were treated before clinical research staff recorded their cough sounds. And second, a high number of recordings were found to contain a second person’s cough sounds or an unacceptable amount of background noise and interference.

Although the investigators of the group’s clinical trial in September confirmed that their study was not an accurate or reliable evaluation of ResApp’s algorithms, Médecins Sans Frontières wants to hold off any further collaboration until issues have been resolved.

Yesterday, Resapp shares plunged 9.4% to A$0.08 (US$0.06).