Patient acceptability of CITOBOT for cervical cancer screening: A mixed-method study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Medical Devices
• Public Health

Background:

• Cervical cancer remains a significant global health issue.
• Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and improved outcomes.
• There is a need for accessible, cost-effective screening tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the acceptability of CITOBOT, a novel AI-supported device for early cervical cancer screening.
• To evaluate patient perceptions of CITOBOT in a real-world pilot setting.
• To understand the potential of CITOBOT to enhance screening participation.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method study involving 20 participants at a cancer center in Cali, Colombia.
• Data collection included surveys, a validated acceptability scale, and open-ended interviews.
• The Theoretical Framework of Acceptability guided the evaluation.

Main Results:

• All participants reported high overall acceptability of the CITOBOT device.
• Participants found the device comfortable, coherent with screening goals, and not an added burden.
• High intention to use the service and perceived benefits like timely results and improved access were noted.

Conclusions:

• CITOBOT demonstrates significant promise for enhancing cervical cancer screening participation and adherence.
• The device is perceived as effective in preventing cervical cancer deaths.
• CITOBOT has the potential to positively impact public health outcomes, particularly for underserved populations.