Purpose: This pilot study is aimed to analyze a novel strategy of cervical cancer screening by training of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers via telemedicine to counsel women for human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling.
Materials and methods: This is a pilot, community-based, prospective, single-arm study. Physicians trained the ASHA workers regarding self-sampled HPV testing via a mobile application and telephonically using videos and e-pamphlets, who in turn trained the clients in community. The HPV kits were transported via prepaid courier service.
Results: Four hundred and sixty-five women of age group 30-65 years were tested by 47 teletrained ASHA workers. The mean age of ASHA worker and clients was 39.47 ± 6.45 and 37.26 ± 8.38 years, respectively. Of the ASHA workers, 91.7% were satisfied with the information provided during telecounseling, 95.7% could understand the contents of mobile app easily, and 93.6% could fill the data of clients in app easily. Of the clients, 99.6% were satisfied with counseling by ASHA workers and 98% found it easy to self-sample. The acceptability of this strategy among clients was 58.2%. The feasibility of this strategy (percentage of clients who find it easy/those who did self-sampling) was around 99%. Among those screened, 11.8% were high-risk HPV-positive and 85.5% had follow-up at the study center.
Conclusion: The current study highlights a novel strategy of cervical cancer screening by incorporating the role of telemedicine in training ASHA workers and their role in improving the screening by home-based delivery of HPV kits with promising results.