Arrivillaga Marcela, Torres Maria Del Mar, Neira Daniela, García-Cifuentes Juan Pablo, Vargas-Cardona Hernán Dario, Rodríguez-López Mérida, Bermúdez Paula C
Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali, Cali, Colombia.
Department of Maternal and Child Health, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali, Cali, Colombia.
PLoS One. 2025 Jun 24;20(6):e0325805. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0325805. eCollection 2025.
This study assessed the acceptability of CITOBOT, a device for early cervical cancer screening in a real-world pilot setting as part of a translational research project aimed at designing and clinically validating a portable, cost-effective device supported by artificial intelligence. The authors adopted the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability for its utility in evaluating patient acceptability within complex interventions' development, piloting, and feasibility phases. We employed a mixed-method study, with 20 consecutive participants recruited from a specialized cancer healthcare center in Cali, Colombia. Data collection included a sociodemographic, gynecological-obstetric, behavioral survey, a validated patient acceptability scale, alongside open-ended interview questions. No adverse effects were reported seven days post-testing. The findings were promising, with all participants expressing high overall acceptability. Retrospective acceptability, focusing on the evaluation after device pilot testing, revealed that participants felt comfortable with the device, found it coherent with the purpose of early cervical cancer detection, and did not perceive the test as an additional burden compared to conventional cytology screening. Regarding prospective acceptability, which assesses anticipated acceptability before full implementation, three results stand out: i) All participants stated that they would intend to attend their health service if called for testing with CITOBOT; ii) they perceived opportunity costs, such as timely delivery of results, expedited diagnosis and treatment, and improved accessibility for women with limited resources or geographical barriers to healthcare access; and iii) participants viewed CITOBOT as highly effective in preventing cervical cancer deaths, indicating a strong belief in its potential to impact public health outcomes positively. Addressing concerns related to discomfort, inconvenience, and timely delivery of results, CITOBOT shows promise in enhancing cervical cancer screening participation and adherence, especially among underserved populations.
本研究评估了CITOBOT的可接受性。CITOBOT是一种用于早期宫颈癌筛查的设备，作为一项转化研究项目的一部分，该项目旨在设计并临床验证一种由人工智能支持的便携式、经济高效的设备。作者采用了可接受性理论框架，因为它在评估复杂干预措施的开发、试点和可行性阶段的患者可接受性方面具有实用性。我们采用了混合方法研究，从哥伦比亚卡利的一家专业癌症医疗中心连续招募了20名参与者。数据收集包括社会人口统计学、妇产科、行为调查、经过验证的患者可接受性量表以及开放式访谈问题。测试后七天未报告任何不良反应。研究结果很有前景，所有参与者都表示总体可接受性很高。回顾性可接受性关注设备试点测试后的评估，结果显示参与者对该设备感到舒适，认为它与早期宫颈癌检测的目的一致，并且与传统细胞学筛查相比，没有将该测试视为额外负担。关于前瞻性可接受性，即评估全面实施前的预期可接受性，有三个结果值得注意：i）所有参与者表示，如果被邀请使用CITOBOT进行检测，他们愿意前往医疗服务机构；ii）他们意识到了机会成本，如及时出具结果、加快诊断和治疗，以及改善资源有限或存在地理医疗障碍的女性的可及性；iii）参与者认为CITOBOT在预防宫颈癌死亡方面非常有效，这表明他们坚信其有潜力对公共卫生结果产生积极影响。解决了与不适、不便和及时出具结果相关的问题后，CITOBOT在提高宫颈癌筛查参与率和依从性方面显示出了前景，尤其是在服务不足的人群中。
