EIMS, small Higher Education Institution, operating in Malta in Dental education ( www.eims.edu.mt). EIMS' target are medical professionals involved in a continuous cycle of professional practice, reflective professional development, and embedded research to improve their service for the benefit of patients and the community. EIMS would like to take a partnership with MeMoSA® – MOBILE MOUTH SCREENING ANYWHERE (https://memosa.my). could you prepare a report on the oral cancer in Europe, highlighting how MeMoSA® APP could be successfully and usefully integrated in in undergraduate and postgraduate education..

Report on Oral Cancer in Europe and Integration of MeMoSA® APP in Dental Education at EIMS

Executive Summary

Oral cancer is a significant public health issue in Europe, with rising incidence and mortality rates. Early detection and continuous monitoring are crucial for improving patient outcomes. EIMS, a small Higher Education Institution in Malta specializing in dental education, aims to enhance its curriculum by integrating innovative technologies. This report explores the current state of oral cancer in Europe and proposes the integration of the MeMoSA® APP into EIMS' undergraduate and postgraduate programs to improve early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of oral cancer.

Introduction

EIMS Overview

EIMS (European Institute of Medical Sciences) is dedicated to providing high-quality dental education to medical professionals. The institution focuses on continuous professional development, reflective practice, and embedded research to enhance patient care and community health.

MeMoSA® Overview

MeMoSA® (Mobile Mouth Screening Anywhere) is a mobile application designed to facilitate the early detection and monitoring of oral cancer. The app allows users to capture and share images of oral lesions with healthcare professionals for remote assessment.

Oral Cancer in Europe

Incidence and Mortality Rates

Oral cancer is a growing concern in Europe, with approximately 75,000 new cases and 20,000 deaths annually. The incidence rates vary across countries, with higher rates observed in Eastern Europe. Risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Challenges in Early Detection

Early detection of oral cancer significantly improves survival rates. However, many cases are diagnosed at advanced stages due to a lack of awareness, limited access to screening, and insufficient training among healthcare professionals.

Integration of MeMoSA® APP in Dental Education at EIMS

Benefits of MeMoSA® APP

1. Early Detection: The app enables early identification of suspicious lesions, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
2. Remote Consultation: Facilitates remote consultations, reducing the need for in-person visits and improving access to specialist care.
3. Educational Tool: Provides a practical tool for students to learn about oral cancer detection and management.
4. Data Collection: Allows for the collection of data for research purposes, contributing to the understanding of oral cancer epidemiology.

Integration in Undergraduate Education

1. Curriculum Enhancement: Incorporate MeMoSA® into the curriculum to teach students about the importance of early detection and the use of technology in modern dental practice.
2. Practical Training: Provide hands-on training sessions where students use the app to identify and document oral lesions.
3. Case Studies: Use real-life case studies facilitated by the app to enhance learning and critical thinking skills.

Integration in Postgraduate Education

1. Advanced Diagnostics: Train postgraduate students in advanced diagnostic techniques using the app, including image analysis and remote consultations.
2. Research Opportunities: Encourage postgraduate students to use the app for research projects, contributing to the body of knowledge on oral cancer.
3. Continuing Professional Development: Offer workshops and seminars on the use of MeMoSA® for practicing professionals, emphasizing its role in continuous professional development.

Implementation Plan

Phase 1: Planning and Preparation

1. Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with faculty, students, and MeMoSA® representatives to discuss integration plans.
2. Curriculum Development: Revise the curriculum to include modules on the use of MeMoSA®.
3. Training: Organize training sessions for faculty and students on how to use the app effectively.

Phase 2: Pilot Program

1. Pilot Testing: Implement a pilot program with a select group of students to test the integration of the app.
2. Feedback Collection: Gather feedback from participants to identify areas for improvement.

Phase 3: Full Integration

1. Full Rollout: Integrate MeMoSA® into the curriculum for all undergraduate and postgraduate students.
2. Ongoing Support: Provide continuous support and training to ensure effective use of the app.
3. Evaluation and Improvement: Regularly evaluate the program's effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.

Conclusion

Integrating the MeMoSA® APP into EIMS' dental education programs offers a valuable opportunity to enhance the early detection and management of oral cancer. By incorporating this innovative technology into both undergraduate and postgraduate curricula, EIMS can equip future dental professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to improve patient outcomes and contribute to the fight against oral cancer in Europe.

Recommendations

1. Partnership Agreement: Establish a formal partnership with MeMoSA® to facilitate the integration process.
2. Faculty Training: Ensure that faculty members are adequately trained to use and teach the app.
3. Student Engagement: Actively involve students in the integration process to ensure their needs and feedback are addressed.
4. Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update the curriculum to incorporate the latest advancements in oral cancer detection and treatment.

By taking these steps, EIMS can position itself as a leader in dental education and contribute to the global effort to combat oral cancer.