Digital interventions to facilitate patient‐provider communication in cancer care: A systematic review

Abstract

Objective: Patient-provider communication is a critical component of cancer care. Digital tools have been applied to facilitate cancer care and patient-provider communication. However, to date, there is no systematic review on this growing body of literature. The objective of this study is to identify the existing digital interventions to improve patient-provider communication among cancer patients and survivors, summarize their characteristics, and synthesize the outcomes of these interventions. Methods: We searched the databases of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines with the following criteria: (a) empirical studies focusing on digital interventions to facilitate communication between cancer patients or survivors and their health care providers, (b) reporting qualitative or quantitative health outcomes of the cancer patients or survivors after the digital intervention, and (c) English articles published after 2000. Results: The initial literature search generated 1006 articles; only 13 met the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies were conducted among breast, prostate, and lung cancer patients. Ten out of 13 studies used randomized controlled trials to evaluate intervention efficacy. The outcomes assessed included symptoms reporting and management, decision making, distress and quality of life, and utilization of health care. Most studies reported positive outcomes following the interventions. Conclusions: The existing evidence on the number, characteristics, and outcomes of digital interventions to improve patient-provider communication suggests the preliminary efficacy of such interventions. It is essential to develop and implement more evidence-based digital interventions to engage patients, enhance patient-provider communication, and facilitate patient-centered decision making to improve patientcentered health outcomes, especially in underserved communities of cancer patients and survivors. K E Y W O R D S cancer patients, cancer survivors, digital intervention, patient-provider communication, review

Using guidance from disaster psychiatry to frame psychiatric support for cancer patients during the COVID‐19 lockdown

“…[2][3][4] Fortunately, recent reviews of studies conducted in the pre-COVID-19 era have found that digital interventions appear to facilitate patientprovider communication in cancer care. 7 At least throughout the remainder of 2020, until an effective and immunogenic vaccine is developed and widespread population vaccination is achieved, these approaches will need to be maintained for supportive cancer care.…”

Psychosocial challenges in palliative care: Bridging the gaps using digital health

“…[23,24] Digital interventions may not only target palliative care problems; rather, they may provide additional support related to health access, information, or mental health resources. [25,26] The adoption of such digital support systems can improve the overall patient experience and satisfaction regarding palliative care. Moreover, such platforms may enable healthcare providers to make real-time decisions for their patients and address occupational concerns and stresses that they may experience.…”

“…Overall, digital tools can be integrated into institutional or health systems interventions where multiple individuals, including patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, can interact, emphasizing on how those systems can inform the unmet needs among the individuals and facilitate effective caregiving for everyone. [25] The level and contents of those services can be customized for different groups based on their unique psychosocial needs. For example, mental health components can be incorporated for patients and caregivers who may experience psychological distress or other mental health problems.…”

“…The broader goals of such interventions may focus on optimizing psychosocial outcomes among key stakeholders, whereas specific aims may emphasize teambased outcomes, institutional performances, or systems-level outcomes in palliative care. [21][22][23]25] An integrated approach can better inform how the health system and its components are working together to address psychosocial challenges that may impact lives engaged at different phases of palliative care.…”

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