The role of Connected Health technologies in supporting families affected by paediatric cancer: A systematic review

Abstract

Objectives Families impacted by paediatric cancer are met with logistical, financial and psychological impacts, with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus two creating additional barriers and stressors for these families. Connected Health (CH) may facilitate cancer care. The objective of the present study was to systematically review CH for families/informal caregivers affected by paediatric cancer. Methods Using search terms relating to: (1) paediatric cancer, (2) family/caregivers and (3) CH, the databases of PsycINFO, Pubmed, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched. Inclusion criteria included an evaluation of CH technologies for supportive care for families/caregivers affected by paediatric cancer at any stage of treatment or survivorship. Results Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria. CH was primarily web‐based (n = 6), however smartphone applications (n = 5), telehealth (n = 2) and online groups (n = 3) were utilised. Intervention areas included psycho‐social (n = 6), health and information provision (n = 8) and palliative care (n = 2). Conclusions While limited studies have evaluated the impact of CH on families living with paediatric cancer, emerging evidence suggests potential benefits. More evidenced‐based interventions are required.

Digital health and telehealth in cancer care: a scoping review of reviews

“…The remaining 134 reviews met eligibility criteria and were included in the synthesis. 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 …”

“…Many reviews indicated that a meta-analysis was not done due to heterogeneity of methods and outcomes. 13 , 15 , 18 , 21 , 23 , 29 , 40 , 45 , 46 , 49 , 60 , 65 , 69 , 74 , 75 , 86 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 97 , 100 , 104 , 110 , 116 , 118 , 131 , 134 …”

Caregivers of children feel confident about using the Internet for health information

“…Present findings highlight the need for HCP inclusion in online information sharing. Connected Health technologies, or two‐way communicative technologies in health, may be an effective means to provide this HCP contact in a manner that is not cost or time intensive (Delemere & Maguire, 2020). Future online information sources for caregivers of children should consider the inclusion of HCPs where possible.…”

Technology usage, eHealth literacy and attitude towards connected health in caregivers of paediatric cancer

“…While the present analysis highlights parent and HCP willingness to engage with CH, further exploration of the role CH may pose is needed. While the efficacy and acceptability of CH interventions for paediatric cancer has been found [34], high attrition and poor adherence have been noted [35]. Further, variability in preferences towards digital service delivery has been noted [36], [37].…”