Digital Interventions to Support Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer: Systematic Review

Abstract

BackgroundThe last decade has seen an increase in the number of digital health interventions designed to support adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer.ObjectiveThe objective of this review was to identify, characterize, and fully assess the quality, feasibility, and efficacy of existing digital health interventions developed specifically for AYAs, aged between 13 and 39 years, living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis.MethodsSearches were performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science to identify digital health interventions designed specifically for AYA living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis. Data on the characteristics and outcomes of each intervention were synthesized.ResultsA total of 4731 intervention studies were identified through the searches; 38 interventions (43 research papers) met the inclusion criteria. Most (20/38, 53%) were website-based interventions. Most studies focused on symptom management and medication adherence (15, 39%), behavior change (15, 39%), self-care (8, 21%), and emotional health (7, 18%). Most digital health interventions included multiple automated and communicative functions such as enriched information environments, automated follow-up messages, and access to peer support. Where reported (20, 53% of studies), AYAs’ subjective experience of using the digital platform was typically positive. The overall quality of the studies was found to be good (mean Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields scores >68%). Some studies reported feasibility outcomes (uptake, acceptability, and attrition) but were not sufficiently powered to comment on intervention effects.ConclusionsNumerous digital interventions have been developed and designed to support young people living with and beyond a diagnosis of cancer. However, many of these interventions have yet to be deployed, implemented, and evaluated at scale.

Trekstock RENEW: evaluation of a 12-week exercise referral programme for young adult cancer survivors delivered by a cancer charity

“…Thought towards different models of exercise programme delivery for young adults with cancer, especially those living in rural areas without easy access to gym facilities, is required. Whilst digital interventions conducted among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors have demonstrated promising outcomes, there is currently little evidence of the economic value of implementing digital interventions on a wide-scale in AYA cancer services [32]. Significant improvements were observed in some domains of physical function (lung function, fitness and flexibility).…”

A perspective of private health care providers in the state of Madhya Pradesh on adopting key strategies of the India hypertension control initiative

“…The digital health interventions can provide a wide range of solutions for physicians including clinical decision‐making process, patient data access, and monitoring, connection with other health care providers 28 . This system can also support patients in improving treatment adherence and lifestyle behavioral changes 29 . Similarly, program managers can monitor the quality of health records in real‐time data and can take necessary actions if required.…”

Experiences of a web-based psycho-educational intervention targeting sexual dysfunction and fertility distress in young adults with cancer—A self-determination theory perspective

“…This is what my body looks like. (13) The route towards acceptance was depicted as a winding road of contradictory feelings oscillating between frustration and confidence. The mindfulness exercises as well as informative texts helped in moving closer to acceptance.…”