eHealth and mHealth interventions in pediatric cancer: A systematic review of interventions across the cancer continuum

William A. Ramsey, Rebecca Elyse Heidelberg, Alexandra M. Gilbert, Mallorie B. Heneghan, Sherif M. Badawy, Nicole M. Alberts*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

110 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objectives were to (a) identify current published research in electronic health (eHealth) and mobile health (mHealth) interventions for youth undergoing cancer treatment and child, adolescent, and young adult survivors of childhood cancer and (b) critically appraise the current scientific evidence on their effectiveness and efficacy. As an exploratory aim, we identified pediatric cancer patients' and survivors' perceptions, attitudes, and concerns related to eHealth and mHealth interventions. Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature was performed to identify peer-reviewed journal articles that included the use of mHealth and eHealth interventions among youth receiving active cancer treatment and survivors of childhood cancer through the age range of childhood to young adulthood (mean age 21 years or younger at the time of diagnosis; mean age 39 years or younger at the time of intervention). The search was conducted via six electronic databases: PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, IEEEXplore and the Cochrane Library. Results: Of the 1879 potential records examined, 21 met criteria for inclusion for a total of 1506 participants. Of the investigations included, 13 were randomized controlled trials, and eight were nonrandomized studies. Findings demonstrated feasibility as well as acceptability with these approaches. Evidence of efficacy for interventions targeting emotional distress, health behaviors, health outcomes, and neurocognitive functioning was mixed. Conclusions: Given the growing evidence of efficacy, coupled with increasing access to digital technologies, eHealth and mHealth may serve an important role in improving mental and physical health outcomes of youth undergoing cancer treatment and child, adolescent, and young adult survivors of childhood cancer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)17-37
Number of pages21
JournalPsycho-oncology
Volume29
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2020

Funding

This project was supported by grant number K12HS023011 (PI: Badawy) from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Thank you to Ms. Linda O'Dwyer (Galter Health Sciences Library, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL) for her support with literature search. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of AHRQ. This project was supported by grant number K12HS023011 (PI: Badawy) from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Thank you to Ms. Linda O'Dwyer (Galter Health Sciences Library, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL) for her support with literature search. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of AHRQ.

Keywords

  • adolescent
  • cancer
  • childhood
  • eHealth
  • emotional distress
  • mHealth
  • neurocognitive functioning
  • oncology
  • patient-reported outcomes
  • young adult

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Oncology

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