Your Health Kiosk: A Pilot Study to Enhance Healthcare Access and Health Promotion among Spanish-Speaking Hispanics

Abstract Importance: Cancer screening remains a pivotal step in early detection and treatment, yet disparities persist in healthcare access, particularly among racial-ethnic minorities and low-income residents. Digital platforms offer innovative avenues to bridge these gaps. Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a digital platform named Your Health Kiosk (YHK), which pairs a text-based intervention with patient navigators (PN), to promote cancer screening and assess social risk factors (SRF) among Spanish-speaking Hispanics. Design, Setting, and Participants: This pilot study, conducted six months following the official launch, involved 220 participants recruited in Middlesex County, New Jersey. Demographic and SRF were gathered through surveys sent by YHK. Results: Most participants were female (168, 76%), Hispanic (158, 72%), and Spanish speaking (142, 65%). The majority (183, 83%) were flagged for cancer screening. Out of 183 flagged, 26 (14%) were subsequently contacted by our PN, with a vast majority (25, 96%), accepting a referral for cancer screening. Additionally, four individuals not flagged for cancer screening opted in to receive a referral. In total, 29 participants were provided with a referral, and of these, nearly two-thirds (19, 66%), either scheduled or underwent cancer screening. Furthermore, five participants (17%) who expressed SRF were appropriately directed to relevant social services. Conclusion: YHK has demonstrated promise in reaching underserved communities, successfully providing referrals to cancer screening, and addressing barriers to care.