Applicability of smart phones in identification and transferring the static images of oral mucosal lesions by allied health workers- A feasibility study

Abstract

Background: Recent years have witnessed an enormous increase in the use of smart phones by almost the entire population. These phones are devices which use satellite communication and computation which can be hand held and used at point of service delivery. Aim: This pilot study aims at training allied health workers in identifying and locating people with oral mucosal lesions using smart phone technology. Methodology: This pilot project was designed and conducted amongst allied health workers in Sullia Taluk of Dakshina Kannada District for identification and transferring the static images of oral mucosal lesions for further diagnosis and follow up. A total of six of the ten PHC’s in Sullia Taluk were selected using simple random sampling method. Allied health workers who met our inclusion criteria were included in this study. Results: Preliminary analysis of the images obtained through smartphones revealed benign lesions in 14 images (7 pairs) potentially- malignant lesions in 34 images (17 pairs) and malignant lesions in 14 images (7 pairs). Conclusion: Health care delivery using Smartphone technology can be used as a promising tool in monitoring, diagnosing of diseases and referral of patients.