Comparative evaluation of efficacy of a smartphone application for oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) self-examination in follow-up of the patients compared to routine Outpatient Department-based follow-up: a clinical interventional study

Background Sushruta (600 B.C.) described a condition called “Vidari” linked with progressive narrowing of mouth, depigmentation of the oral mucosa, and pain on taking food, oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). With an overall Indian prevalence rate of between 0.2–0.5%, OSMF is primarily found in India and Southeast Asia, according to global estimations. Patients with OSMF need regular follow-ups and to maintain this follow-up it is not always possible for the patient to visit a dental clinic. Hence developing a smartphone-based application for the follow-up of OSMF will be of great value to the patients. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone application on OSMF self-examination in the follow-up of patients. Methods There will be three phases of the research. The first phase will be the development of a smartphone-based application for the follow-up of patients with OSMF. The second phase will be distribution and training the patients regarding the usage of the application and the third phase will be evaluating the effectiveness of the smartphone application in maintaining the follow-up of the patients. Expected results The follow-up of patients with OSMF is expected to be better and feasible using a smartphone application as compared to regular Outpatient Department-based follow-up. Conclusions Designing a mobile application for the ease of users presents difficulties since it must take user-friendliness and accessibility into account, which influences how well the application is received by users. In addition to follow-up, the smartphone-based application promotes the awareness towards Self-examination and knowledge in OSMF patients. Thus, it will act as an educational tool providing information, to enhance OSMF screening practice. CTRI registration CTRI/2023/06/054514 (registration pending).