Adopting Augmented Reality to Improve Visual Inspection in a Single-Visit Cervical Cancer Screening Framework

Background Cervical cancer is a major public health concern in India, accounting for one-fifth of the global burden. This study examines the use of Augmented Reality (AR) technology to enhance diagnostic accuracy among healthcare providers (HCPs) within a single-visit screening framework, addressing the shortage of expert gynaecologists for onsite mentoring. Methods We developed an AR-enabled tool using the Microsoft HoloLens 2 headset to assist in cervical cancer screening by identifying suspected lesion areas. A remote healthcare worker equipped with the HoloLens collaborated with a specialized practitioner operating a computer to annotate suspicious regions on a simulated plastic cervix model with a designated lesion, simulating real-life conditions. Results The AR system projected a 3D cervix model into the real environment for remote annotation, demonstrating an average error rate of 8.75% (± 2.3%) during trials. Conclusion The HoloLens 2 AR system has been shown to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of visual cervical cancer screening, with significant potential to improve screening in underserved areas. Future plans include using two AR devices to enhance accuracy in real-world data collection and further trials to validate its effectiveness and scalability in diverse healthcare settings.