Digital technologies in cancer care: a review from the clinician's perspective

J Comp Eff Res. 2022 May;11(7):533-544. doi: 10.2217/cer-2021-0263. Epub 2022 Apr 13.

Abstract

Physicians are increasingly utilizing digital health technologies (DHT) such as smartphone applications, network-enabled wearable devices, web-based communication platforms, videoconferencing, chatbots, artificial intelligence and virtual reality to improve access to, and quality of, care. DHT aid in cancer screening, patient education, shared decision-making, promotion of positive health habits, symptom monitoring and intervention, patient-provider communication, provision of psychological support and delivery of effective survivorship care. This narrative review outlines how physicians may utilize digital health to improve or augment their delivery of cancer care. For the full potential of DHT to be realized, experts must develop appropriate solutions to issues surrounding the regulation, liability, quality, security, equity and reimbursement of DHT.

Keywords: Internet-based intervention; cancer care; chatbots; health technology; wearable electronic devices.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Communication
  • Digital Technology
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Humans
  • Mobile Applications*
  • Neoplasms* / therapy