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

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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.