Digital solutions supporting the quality-of-life of European cancer patients and their caregivers: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Purpose: we investigate (a) the diffusion of digital solutions supporting the quality-of-life in cancer patients and their caregivers across cancer types and EU countries, (b) the key thematic areas on which they focus, and (c) their effectiveness in improving the quality-of-life with respect to traditional healthcare. Methods: We searched articles from Embase, Scopus and PubMed in the last decade, and assessed their quality according to mixed methods appraisal tool. We compared the effectiveness of such tools and discussed the main gaps that emerged. Results: 49 studies were included (31 quantitative randomized control trials, 9 quantitative non-randomized, 4 quantitative descriptive, 3 qualitative, and 2 mixed-methods). We observed a prevalence of studies from the Netherlands and Germany, and breast cancer patients are the most targeted by single-cancer type interventions. The key areas of interventions for e-health solutions are psychophysical well-being, management of physical distress, remote monitoring of vitals and symptoms, and empowerment and self-efficacy. The effectiveness of digital solutions is typically higher than traditional healthcare, especially for solutions focusing on psychosocial well-being. Conclusions: This review showed a growing interest in digital solutions aimed at making the life of cancer patients and their caregivers easier, and their healthcare more patient-centered. The effectiveness of such interventions varies, but all the solutions are well accepted among the participants. Our findings provide evidence of the untapped potential of these digital tools, and of the need for their integration in the daily routine of cancer patients and their caregivers.