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How technology can improve communication and health outcomes in patients with advanced cancer: an integrative review

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Abstract

Objective

Patients facing an advanced cancer diagnosis require clear communication with their clinicians. Technology has been utilized in many different capacities to navigate communication in cancer care, but few authors examine the specific areas of communication from a theoretical perspective. The purpose of this literature review was to (1) identify articles focused on technology-based communication strategies to improve health outcomes in individuals with advanced cancer, and (2) using Epstein and Street’s framework, identify areas in which technology-based communication has been used to improve health outcomes, and (3) identify gaps that exist in technology-based communication care in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted which returned 446 articles. Using Epstein and Street’s 2007 framework, the final sample was 39.

Results

Nine clinical trials, 29 observational studies, and 1 case study were identified. The articles were categorized into one area within Epstein and Street’s areas of communication. Many of the articles examined the patient’s and provider’s acceptability and feasibility of technology-based methods of communication, while other articles examined their efficacy.

Conclusions

While research studies were identified in each of the areas of communication, the majority of technology-based communication strategies were focused on the exchange of information between patients and their providers. Further research and the development of technology-based communication interventions assessed through clinical trials are needed in the areas of healing relationships and making decisions in cancer care. Additionally, the communication strategies found effective at improving health outcomes in advanced cancer should begin implementation into clinical practice, therefore reaching more patients.

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Acknowledgements

Author CMW was supported by a T32 fellowship at the University of Utah College of Nursing (Award Number T32NR013456) during the development of this review. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Nursing, University of Utah, 10 South 2000, East Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA

    Natasha Ansari, Kathie Supiano & Kathi Mooney

  2. School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA

    Christina M. Wilson

  3. Division of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Utah, 100 Mario Capecchi Dr, Salt Lake City, UT, 84113, USA

    Mallorie B. Heneghan

  4. Huntsman Cancer Institute, 1950 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA

    Kathi Mooney

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  1. Natasha Ansari
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  2. Christina M. Wilson
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  3. Mallorie B. Heneghan
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  4. Kathie Supiano
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  5. Kathi Mooney
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Contributions

Natasha Ansari and Christina Wilson had the idea for the article and performed the literature search. Natasha Ansari, Christina Wilson, and Mallorie Heneghan performed the data analysis and drafted the review. All authors critically revised the work.

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Correspondence to Natasha Ansari.

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Ansari, N., Wilson, C.M., Heneghan, M.B. et al. How technology can improve communication and health outcomes in patients with advanced cancer: an integrative review. Support Care Cancer 30, 6525–6543 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-022-07037-y

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