Kane, K, Kennedy, F orcid.org/0000-0002-4910-2505, Absolom, KL orcid.org/0000-0002-5477-6643 et al. (2 more authors) (2023) Quality of life support in advanced cancer – Web and technological interventions: systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care, 12 (e2). e221-e234. ISSN 2045-435X
Abstract
Background As treatments continue to progress, patients with advanced cancer are living longer. However, ongoing physical side-effects and psychosocial concerns can compromise quality of life (QoL). Patients and physicians increasingly look to the internet and other technologies to address diverse supportive needs encountered across this evolving cancer trajectory.
Objectives 1. To examine the features and delivery of web and technological interventions supporting patients with advanced cancer. 2. To explore their efficacy relating to QoL and psychosocial well-being.
Methods Relevant studies were identified through electronic database searches (MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Web of Science and ProQuest) and handsearching. Findings were collated and explored through narrative synthesis.
Results Of 5274 identified records, 37 articles were included. Interventions were evaluated within studies targeting advanced cancer (13) or encompassing all stages (24). Five subtypes emerged: Interactive Health Communication Applications (n=12), virtual programmes of support (n=11), symptom monitoring tools (n=8), communication conduits (n=3) and information websites (n=3). Modes of delivery ranged from self-management to clinically integrated. Support largely targeted psychosocial well-being, alongside symptom management and healthy living. Most studies (78%) evidenced varying degrees of efficacy through QoL and psychosocial measures. Intervention complexity made it challenging to distinguish the most effective components. Incomplete reporting limited risk of bias assessment.
Conclusion While complex and varied in their content, features and delivery, most interventions led to improvements in QoL or psychosocial well-being across the cancer trajectory. Ongoing development and evaluation of such innovations should specifically target patients requiring longer-term support for later-stage cancer.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. This is an author produced version of an article, published in BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Medicine and Health (Leeds) > School of Healthcare (Leeds) > Nursing Adult (Leeds) |
Funding Information: | Funder Grant number Breast Cancer Care & Now 2016NovPhD818 |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 04 May 2021 10:14 |
Last Modified: | 06 Jun 2024 15:04 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | BMJ Publishing Group |
Identification Number: | 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002820 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:173275 |
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