Changes in Technical Equipment and Patient Perspectives Navigating Towards Enhanced Digitalization in Breast Cancer Across Pre-COVID-19 and Early COVID-19 Eras

Abstract

IntroductionThe potential benefits of eHealth support in enhancing patient care, satisfaction, and cancer outcomes are well-established; however, its integration into routine care has been gradual. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 dramatically affected cancer patients, imposing multifaceted challenges that impede traditional doctor-patient interactions. Consequently, there has been a surge in the adoption of eHealth for supporting oncological therapies. This study investigates the fundamental prerequisites for transitioning to a more digitally oriented routine care, focusing on the availability of appropriate technical equipment and the cultivation of a positive mindset towards eHealth among breast cancer patients. Patients and MethodsIn 2013, 2016, and 2020, breast cancer patients participated in surveys utilizing a comprehensive paper questionnaire encompassing 29 inquiries about their health status, technical equipment, and attitudes toward digital therapy support. ResultsA total of 959 patients participated in the interviews. Comparative analyses between the 2013, 2016, and 2020 surveys revealed a widespread increase in internet access and device ownership across various age groups. By 2020, 3 quarters of patients were utilizing the internet for health-related topics. Notably, there has been a considerable improvement in patients' personal attitudes towards eHealth and their expectations for future digital therapy support. DiscussionOver the seven years spanned by the surveys, there has been a substantial positive shift in the attitudes of breast cancer patients towards eHealth, accompanied by a marked improvement in their technical equipment. This study reveals that the essential prerequisites for digital therapy support now appear to be prevalent among breast cancer patients.