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 the distinctive challenges cancer caregivers face amid COVID-19. Additionally, this paper will present practical insights into the diverse intervention approaches that can assist in the delivery of digital health solutions for cancer caregivers amid and beyond COVID-19.Methods A systematic review of the literature will be conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus in September, 2020. Articles that center on technology-based interventions for cancer caregivers will be included in the review. The search strategy was 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.Results NA—This is a protocol study.Conclusions COVID-19 has uprooted cancer care as we know it. Due to barriers introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as medical resources rationing, cancer caregivers often have to step up to address patients' healthcare needs and wants. This, in turn, will exert substantial stress on informal caregivers, above and beyond COVID-19-related burdens the general public shoulders on a daily basis. 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.Study Protocol Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020196301

What are the Challenges and Resilience Resources Identified by Informal Carers During the First UK COVID-19 Lockdown? A Longitudinal Qualitative Study Using Naturalistic Data

“…One area that has not been explored within the carer resilience literature, and yet has the potential to increase resilience in the context of social distancing, shielding and face-to-face support service closures, is technology-based support ( Newman et al, 2019 ). Research has revealed that telehealth services during COVID-19, such as medical video conferencing and psychoeducation, were associated with improved resilience and wellbeing in both patients and carers alike ( McGee et al, 2020 ; Su et al, 2020 ). One key mechanism through which technology-based services promote such positive outcomes is peer support.…”

Challenges Experienced by Saudi Patients With Cancer and Their Family Caregivers in Using Digital Healthcare Technology Platforms in the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…14 Family caregivers have also encountered numerous stressors during this pandemic; for example, they must shoulder substantial demands for care from family members with cancer and cope with these patients' psychological and physical care needs. 15 In a systematic review of 21 149 family caregivers of patients with cancer, the prevalence rates of anxiety and depression were 46.55% and 42.30%, respectively. 16 Researchers discovered that coronavirus safety procedures (eg, self-isolation, lockdowns, and social distancing) can put additional strain on family caregivers of patients with cancer.…”

“…Furthermore, evidence has revealed that healthcare systems do not provide adequate digital healthcare services to meet their complicated health needs 14 . Family caregivers have also encountered numerous stressors during this pandemic; for example, they must shoulder substantial demands for care from family members with cancer and cope with these patients' psychological and physical care needs 15 . In a systematic review of 21 149 family caregivers of patients with cancer, the prevalence rates of anxiety and depression were 46.55% and 42.30%, respectively 16 .…”

“…In a systematic review of 21 149 family caregivers of patients with cancer, the prevalence rates of anxiety and depression were 46.55% and 42.30%, respectively 16 . Researchers discovered that coronavirus safety procedures (eg, self-isolation, lockdowns, and social distancing) can put additional strain on family caregivers of patients with cancer 15 . Social support from healthcare providers can reduce caregivers' depression, anxiety, and stress; however, this support is considerably limited by social distancing measures 17,18 .…”

“…Ho et al 22 indicated that the nuances of the design and implementation of DHTPs and related interventions are still not well-understood, particularly when these interventions are aimed at patients with cancer (especially those who require long-term therapy or management and have complex unmet healthcare needs) and their family caregivers. Limited research has explored the perspectives of these groups during the COVID-19 era, and gaining a better understanding of patients with cancer and their caregivers' experiences regarding the challenges associated with DHTPs is critical 7,15 . Information on how the experiences of this population affect the successful application and implementation of DHTPs will enable oncology nurses and platform managers to design and provide effective digital healthcare interventions for future use in Saudi Arabia.…”