A feasibility study on the use of MeMoSA® software by dental surgeons in Kandy district, Sri Lanka

Abstract

During the COVID19 pandemic, mobile phone-based technology evolved in elastic demand and expanded to dentistry, identified by the term ‘tele-dentistry’. MeMoSA® is a web-based application (App) developed by Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) to transmit image and clinical data to specialists to obtain review decisions by primary care dentists. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of using MeMoSA® software among dental surgeons in Kandy district. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya (ERC/FDS/2022/03). A post-study questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the experience after three months. A descriptive analysis of the questionnaire data was performed using statistical analysis software (SPSS, Version 21). Initially, the App was introduced to primary care dentists (n=47) and oral medicine specialists (n=2). The response rate for the post-study survey after three months was 51%. The factors which motivated the users were 41.7% (n=10) opinionated as user friendly, 75% (n=18) stated that it conserves time, 37.5% (n=9) stated it is easy to learn, and 45.8% (n=11) stated the research team provided adequate support. The dissatisfied concerns by the users were 12.5% (n=3) not user friendly, 4.2% (n=1) time-consuming, 25% (n=6) it was challenging to learn how to use it, 12.5% (n=3) reported it challenging to take pictures, 8.3% (n=2) individuals stated that the support and training provided by the research team were inadequate and one individual (4.2%) stated the App was not compatible to their device. The outcome of the feasibility study indicated lack of motivation to use the App at the working environment, less technological competency due to advanced age group of the cohort, less compatibility with some devices, unavailability and cost of internet facilities, and misconceptions about tele-dentistry were concerns for early detection of oral cancer using mobile technology. We conclude that further research and awareness programs are necessary to promote tele-dentistry in Sri Lanka.