Effectiveness of Digital Care Platforms for Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Author(s)
Sanne J. Metsemakers, MSc1, Lieke H. Wilms, MSc1, Geneviève I. Ector, Dr.1, Nicole M. Blijlevens, Prof. Dr.1, Rosella P. Hermens, Prof. Dr.2;
1Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Hematology, Nijmegen, Netherlands, 2Radboud University Medical Center, Department of IQ Health, Nijmegen, Netherlands
1Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Hematology, Nijmegen, Netherlands, 2Radboud University Medical Center, Department of IQ Health, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Presentation Documents
OBJECTIVES: Healthcare for cancer patients has evolved significantly in recent decades. Early cancer detection, improved treatments, and an ageing population have greatly increased the global cancer burden. As a result, healthcare systems must prioritize quality and sustainability, with eHealth advancements offering potential support. Therefore, evaluating eHealth effectiveness is vital to ensure sustainability, usability and guide improvements in cancer care quality. Digital care platforms (DCPs) aim to enhance cancer care quality, but their impact on quality of life (QoL), symptoms, self-efficacy, treatment or guideline adherence, and cost-effectiveness remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis examine all evidence on effectiveness of DCP on these outcomes.
METHODS: CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed were searched for studies that adhered to the eligibility criteria and were published between January 1, 2000, and May 1, 2024. Risk of bias was assessed. Meta-analyses were conducted for outcomes with at least five eligible studies, other studies were analyzed descriptively. Pooled outcomes were used to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. A random effects model was applied to account for it.
RESULTS: Thirty-nine studies with 5,681 participants and 36 DCPs were analyzed. Meta-analysis could be performed for three outcomes, showing that care with DCPs improves in QoL (SMD 0.39 (0.03;0.75CI)) and self-efficacy (SMD 0.20 (-0.08;0.48CI) and reduces symptoms (SMD -1.02 (-2.12;0.07CI)). Descriptive results indicate fewer symptoms, and increased self-efficacy, adherence, and cost-effectiveness among patients using DCPs, though descriptive findings on QoL vary.
CONCLUSIONS: Our evaluation suggests that implementing digital-care through DCPs could effectively address current healthcare challenges. DCPs could improve cancer patients' quality of life, self-efficacy, while reducing symptoms and potentially provide a cost-effective approach. This can improve cancer care efficiency and quality, contributing to sustainable healthcare systems capable of managing the growing global cancer burden and long-term follow-up needs.
METHODS: CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed were searched for studies that adhered to the eligibility criteria and were published between January 1, 2000, and May 1, 2024. Risk of bias was assessed. Meta-analyses were conducted for outcomes with at least five eligible studies, other studies were analyzed descriptively. Pooled outcomes were used to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. A random effects model was applied to account for it.
RESULTS: Thirty-nine studies with 5,681 participants and 36 DCPs were analyzed. Meta-analysis could be performed for three outcomes, showing that care with DCPs improves in QoL (SMD 0.39 (0.03;0.75CI)) and self-efficacy (SMD 0.20 (-0.08;0.48CI) and reduces symptoms (SMD -1.02 (-2.12;0.07CI)). Descriptive results indicate fewer symptoms, and increased self-efficacy, adherence, and cost-effectiveness among patients using DCPs, though descriptive findings on QoL vary.
CONCLUSIONS: Our evaluation suggests that implementing digital-care through DCPs could effectively address current healthcare challenges. DCPs could improve cancer patients' quality of life, self-efficacy, while reducing symptoms and potentially provide a cost-effective approach. This can improve cancer care efficiency and quality, contributing to sustainable healthcare systems capable of managing the growing global cancer burden and long-term follow-up needs.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-05, ISPOR 2025, Montréal, Quebec, CA
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S1
Code
MT34
Topic
Medical Technologies
Topic Subcategory
Digital Health
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, SDC: Oncology