JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

There are a number of symptoms related to cancer and/or its treatment that can affect psychosomatic health and quality of life of cancer patients. The use of Electronic Symptom Management Systems (ESMSs) can assist cancer patients in monitoring and managing symptoms effectively, improving their health-related outcomes. However, cancer patients' adhesion to ESMSs decreased over time, and little is known about their real experiences with them. Therefore, it is necessary to gain a deep understanding of cancer patients' experiences with ESMSs.

Objective:

The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize qualitative studies regarding cancer patients' experiences with ESMSs.

Methods:

A total of 12 electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, Embase, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Scopus, Wanfang database, CNKI, CBM, VIP were searched to collect relevant studies from the earliest available record until January 2, 2024. Qualitative and mixed-methods studies published in English or Chinese were included. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement checklist and the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) statement were used to improve transparency in reporting the synthesis of the qualitative research. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) Checklist was used to appraise the methodological quality of the included studies, and a meta-synthesis was conducted to interpret and synthesize the findings.

Results:

A total of 21 studies were included in the meta-synthesis. Cancer patients' experiences with ESMSs were summarized into three major categories: (1) perceptions and attitudes towards ESMSs, (2) the value of ESMSs, (3) barriers, requirements and suggestions for ESMSs, with ten subcategories emerging from the three major categories. The meta-synthesis revealed that cancer patients had both positive and negative experiences with ESMSs. In general, patients recognized the value of ESMSs in symptom assessment and management and were willing to use them, but they still encountered barriers and wanted them to be improved.

Conclusions:

This systematic review provides implications for developing future ESMSs that improve cancer patients' health-related outcomes. Future research should focus on strengthening electronic equipment and technical support for ESMSs, improving their functional contents and participation forms, and developing personalized applications tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of cancer patients.