International Collaboration to Improve Colposcopy Training in Latin America: The Mexican Experience with the iDECO...

Cervical cancer mortality rates in Latin America are three times higher than in North America, partly due to deficiencies in colposcopy training and a shortage of specialists. The innovative Intelligent Digital Education Tool for Colposcopy (iDECO), which integrates personalized analytics and advanced intelligent features such as identifying areas of weakness, generating tailored recommendations, and assigning learning objectives, has previously demonstrated effectiveness in Asian countries. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the viability, initial results, and participant perceptions of using the iDECO platform for colposcopy training among Mexican doctors as a model of international collaboration for improving colposcopy training in Latin America. An Intelligent Colposcopy Training was delivered via a blended approach, pairing synchronous expert-led virtual sessions with the iDECO platform's capacity for data-driven customization and automated learning adjustments. It was implemented as an international collaboration involving experts from China, Chile, and Mexico. Thirteen Mexican physicians completed a one-month course, that combined self-paced learning on the platform with interactive synchronous Q&A sessions led by Spanish-speaking specialists. Knowledge and diagnostic accuracy were assessed using pre- and post-tests, and feedback was collected via a satisfaction survey and voluntary interviews. The training resulted in a statistically significant improvement in participants' knowledge and diagnostic accuracy in a simulated environment. The proportion of correct diagnoses significantly increased from pre-test to post-test (47% vs. 80%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, participants reported high satisfaction and positive educational value, with 90% willing to recommend the training. The implementation of the iDECO-based colposcopy training demonstrates a promising model for addressing healthcare disparities in Latin America. This experience underscores the potential of advanced digital learning platforms and international collaborations to improve skills and facilitate knowledge transfer in global health, and it has led to the development of a Spanish version of the platform for broader use in the region.