Abstract
BackgroundThe last decade has seen an increase in the number of digital health interventions designed to support adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer.ObjectiveThe objective of this review was to identify, characterize, and fully assess the quality, feasibility, and efficacy of existing digital health interventions developed specifically for AYAs, aged between 13 and 39 years, living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis.MethodsSearches were performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science to identify digital health interventions designed specifically for AYA living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis. Data on the characteristics and outcomes of each intervention were synthesized.ResultsA total of 4731 intervention studies were identified through the searches; 38 interventions (43 research papers) met the inclusion criteria. Most (20/38, 53%) were website-based interventions. Most studies focused on symptom management and medication adherence (15, 39%), behavior change (15, 39%), self-care (8, 21%), and emotional health (7, 18%). Most digital health interventions included multiple automated and communicative functions such as enriched information environments, automated follow-up messages, and access to peer support. Where reported (20, 53% of studies), AYAs’ subjective experience of using the digital platform was typically positive. The overall quality of the studies was found to be good (mean Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields scores >68%). Some studies reported feasibility outcomes (uptake, acceptability, and attrition) but were not sufficiently powered to comment on intervention effects.ConclusionsNumerous digital interventions have been developed and designed to support young people living with and beyond a diagnosis of cancer. However, many of these interventions have yet to be deployed, implemented, and evaluated at scale.
Highlights
It is estimated that approximately 1 million adolescents and young adults (AYAs) between the ages of 15 and 39 years are diagnosed with cancer each year [1]
This review aims to address the following questions: 1. What types of digital health and technology intervention have been used to support AYAs diagnosed with cancer? What is their primary focus?
Is there sufficient evidence to state digital health interventions are an effective means to support AYAs diagnosed with cancer?
Summary
BackgroundGlobally, it is estimated that approximately 1 million adolescents and young adults (AYAs) between the ages of 15 and 39 years are diagnosed with cancer each year [1]. In survivorship, there is substantial evidence that AYAs diagnosed with cancer are at increased risk of developing long-term health conditions and experience high levels of pain, fatigue, and poor quality of life throughout their life course [5,6,7]. These difficulties are challenging for AYAs living with and beyond a diagnosis of cancer to manage and are faced at a time when they, as young people, should be establishing independence and autonomy [8,9]. Many of these interventions have yet to be deployed, implemented, and evaluated at scale
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