Technology-based health solutions for cancer caregivers to better shoulder the impact of COVID-19: a systematic review protocol

Abstract

Background Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, partially owing to their compromised immune systems and curbed or cut cancer healthcare services caused by the pandemic. As a result, cancer caregivers may have to shoulder triple crises: the COVID-19 pandemic, pronounced healthcare needs from the patient, and elevated need for care from within. While technology-based health interventions have the potential to address unique challenges cancer caregivers face amid COVID-19, limited insights are available. Thus, to bridge this gap, we aim to identify technology-based interventions designed for cancer caregivers and report the characteristics and effects of these interventions concerning cancer caregivers' distinctive challenges amid COVID-19. Methods A systematic search of the literature will be conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus from the database inception to the end of March 2021. Articles that center on technology-based interventions for cancer caregivers will be included in the review. The search strategy will be developed in consultation with an academic librarian who is experienced in systematic review studies. Titles, abstracts, and full-text articles will be screened against eligibility criteria developed a priori. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses procedures will be followed for the reporting process. Conclusions COVID-19 has upended cancer care as we know it. Findings of this study can shed light on evidence-based and practical solutions cancer caregivers can utilize to mitigate the unique challenges they face amid COVID-19. Furthermore, results of this study will also offer valuable insights for researchers who aim to develop interventions for cancer caregivers in the context of COVID-19. In addition, we also expect to be able to identify areas for improvement that need to be addressed in order for health experts to more adequately help cancer caregivers weather the storm of global health crises like COVID-19 and beyond. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020196301

Technology-based interventions for nursing home residents: a systematic review protocol

“…Technology can also assist clinicians in connecting with patients when in-person medical visits are difficult or dangerous (eg, in rural settings, following natural disasters). 86 Overall, telemedicine and other technology-based interventions have the potential to provide a comprehensive range of benefits 52 that should be sufficiently, if not fully, explored particularly in times of crises and catastrophes. 87 In addition to addressing imminent and relevant social emergencies, s our overarching research ( figure 2 ) could also inform policymaking on the use and application of technology-based interventions across nursing homes amid the pandemic and beyond.…”

Technology-Based Interventions for Cancer Caregivers: Concept Analysis

“…The first research stage was where we accidentally encountered the conceptualization issue associated with the term technology-based interventions . Our initial research objective was to conduct a systematic review study on technology-based interventions for cancer caregivers [ 24 ]. During this process, we found that, although there is a rich body of research on technology-based interventions for cancer caregivers, most of the authors fail to offer a clear conceptualization of the term.…”

“…The emphasis on technology-based interventions for cancer caregivers has become particularly pronounced amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a global health crisis that has effectively crippled many, if not all, of the traditional health care services available to patients and caregivers [21][22][23]. During the pandemic, many cancer caregivers have found much-needed solace and support in technology-based health care services, ranging from online support groups to videoconferencing with patients or health care professionals [24][25][26]. It is important to note that there is a growing body of research investigating the benefits of technology-based health solutions [24][25][26][27][28][29].…”

“…During the pandemic, many cancer caregivers have found much-needed solace and support in technology-based health care services, ranging from online support groups to videoconferencing with patients or health care professionals [24][25][26]. It is important to note that there is a growing body of research investigating the benefits of technology-based health solutions [24][25][26][27][28][29]. For instance, a systematic review revealed that caregivers significantly improved their cancer knowledge and communication outcomes after receiving technology-based interventions [27].…”

Implementation and use of mHealth home telemonitoring in adults with acute COVID-19 infection: a scoping review protocol

“…Yet, based on our pilot literature sample, such systematic evidence synthesis is still lacking. In particular, the existing review articles either focus on remote medical services for non COVID-19 conditions (eg, refs 24–32) or do not sufficiently elaborate on the implementation concepts 15 33–35. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, structured literature synthesis has not been done with respect to the composition of the telemonitoring team.…”