Slev, V.N., Mistiaen, P., Pasman, H.R., Verdonck-de Leeuw, I.M., Uden-Kraan, C.F., & Francke, A.L. (2016). Effects of eHealth for patients and informal caregivers confronted with cancer: A meta-review. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 87, 54–67.
DOI Link
Purpose
PURPOSE: To synthesize evidence regarding effects of eHealth in patients with cancer and informal caregivers from systematic reviews
Search Strategy
Literature Evaluated
Sample Characteristics
- FINAL NUMBER STUDIES INCLUDED = 10
- TOTAL PATIENTS INCLUDED IN REVIEW = Not reported
- SAMPLE RANGE ACROSS STUDIES: Not reported
- KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: Varied tumor types; mostly breast, prostate, and head and neck cancers
Results
Evidence was found for positive effects of eHealth on knowledge and perceived support. The findings regarding effects on decision-making were inconsistent. Interventions had some positive effects on patient involvement in healthcare. The findings regarding the effects of Internet support groups on anxiety and depression were mixed. Most interventions were Internet-based and had multiple components of education, support, chat groups, and communications with providers. One study used smart phone applications.
Conclusions
EHealth applications have been shown to have a positive effect on knowledge. Its effects on other aspects of the patient experience are inconsistent.
Limitations
All but one study were of moderate quality. Studies of low quality were excluded. Types of programs and components varied greatly, making the synthesis of effects for discrete interventions difficult.
Nursing Implications
eHealth applications may be a useful and practical way to provide patient and caregiver education. Its effectiveness as an intervention for psychological well-being and other outcomes was not clear given the mixed evidence. Ongoing research is needed to determine the full range of potential effects, program components that are most helpful, and needed duration of use for positive effects.