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

PROJECT SUMMARYBenten 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.PROJECT NARRATIVE The Benten Technologies’ Oral Cancer Detection (OC-DETECT) platform and mobile health application will leverage secure, cloud-based technology to provide virtual screenings and referrals for individuals at-risk for oral cancer in India. The application will integrate novel tools including e-screening, photoimaging, self-referrals for virtual consults, and educational materials. Younger family members of at-risk individuals will be recruited to administer the screenings and complete the imagery in an effort to task-shift the early detection of oral cancers from the overburdened workforce consisting of community health workers and dental professionals.