The Problem:

<aside> 💡 Depression is a common problem among cancer patients, affecting nearly 20% of the population. Despite this, many cancer patients are never connected to proper treatment options for their depression, and may not even be aware that they exist. Barriers to accessing treatment include inadequate detection, low mental health literacy, and limited treatment accessibility. In rural areas where internet access is limited, it is even more difficult for cancer patients to connect to treatments. Backed by the National Cancer Institute, a team of DHMC researchers asked DALI students to build a mobile application to senior cancer patients with depression evaluate treatment options and connect to the right treatment for them.

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Our Solution:

<aside> 💡 iPath seeks to combat these barriers by providing a mobile app, designed through ReactNative, that will connect these patients to proper treatment options. The platform guides the user through the PHQ-9 depression screening survey, provides an interactive decision aid that compares different treatment options, allows users to filter treatment options based on their preferences, and outlines step-by-step instructions for how to connect to these treatments.

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The Impact:

<aside> 💡 iPath is currently being used in clinical trials. iPath will serve as a crucial tool for cancer patients in rural areas to access depression treatments. By educating users about available treatment options and highlighting accessible treatment providers and resources, iPath will transform the conversation around mental health across under-resourced populations.

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