OC-DETECT,A mHealth for CHWs can facilitate the task-shifting of intake, provide on-demand training, improve communication between CHWs and their supervisors, and support digital-enhanced referral

NIH RePORTER · NIH · R43 · $300,618 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY Benten Technologies proposes to design, build and test a mobile-based platform and application called Oral Cancer Detection (OC-DETECT) that will leverage secure, cloud-based technology to provide virtual screenings, photo imagery, referrals, education, and additional communication channels for individuals in India at-risk of oral cancer. The platform will support linkage to care through the integration of novel tools including e- screening, educational materials, and the option to get a referral and virtual consult to an oral cancer specialist. The platform will utilize younger family members who own a smartphone to complete the screens with the at-risk individuals and help with referral follow-ups. This project will build on existing mobile phone screening and detection programs developed in India but will focus on task-shifting the screening work from community health workers to family members of at-risk individuals. The younger family members will get on-demand training through their smartphones on how to take images of the oral cavity and administer the screenings. Upon completion of the training, the family members will conduct a screening every two weeks during the pilot study. OC experts will review the screening and imagery results before joining a virtual conference with the at-risk individual and the family member. After the study, all participants will evaluate the mobile health application for feasibility and acceptability. The Phase 1 SBIR Specific Aims are to (1) Use formative research with student family members, individuals at-risk for oral cancer, HCPs, and relevant stakeholders to identify the needs and requirements for screenings and linkage to care; (2) Build the prototype, and (3) Pilot test with 20 pairs of individuals at risk for OC and students who are family members to evaluate the application for usability and acceptance.

Key facts

NIH application ID
10258860
Project number
1R43CA261540-01
Recipient
BENTEN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Principal Investigator
Tony Xuyen Ma
Activity code
R43
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2021
Award amount
$300,618
Award type
1
Project period
2021-09-21 → 2025-08-31