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The role of Connected Health technologies in supporting families affected by paediatric cancer: A systematic review
Author(s) -
Delemere Emma,
Maguire Rebecca
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.5542
Subject(s) - psycinfo , survivorship curve , psychological intervention , telehealth , medicine , intervention (counseling) , inclusion (mineral) , medline , cancer , stressor , social support , family medicine , health care , telemedicine , nursing , psychology , psychiatry , psychotherapist , law , economics , economic growth , social psychology , political science
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.