JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Cancer patient navigation programs improve access and continuity of care, yet their digital transformation often suffers from poor usability and limited uptake. Applying user-centered and human-centered design (UCD/HCD) principles may close this gap, but the extent to which such methods are used and evaluated in oncology navigation tools remains unclear.

Objective:

This scoping review identifies how user-centered and human-centered design principles have been, and should be, applied in developing and implementing digital health tools for cancer patient navigation.

Methods:

A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR and Joanna Briggs Institute guidance. Seven databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, Embase, ACM Digital Library, CINAHL) were searched for English-language articles published between January 2015 and July 2025. Eligible studies reported original, peer-reviewed research on digital or mHealth interventions linked to cancer navigation and documented at least one UCD/HCD activity. Two reviewers independently screened records and charted data on context, target users, functions, tool modality, design stage, methods, and outcomes. Findings were synthesized descriptively and thematically.

Results:

36 studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings were organized into four domains: study characteristics, navigation functions and modalities, design processes, and UCD/HCD application. Iterative prototyping and usability testing were most common, while participatory design and implementation evaluation were underutilized.

Conclusions:

UCD/HCD approaches enhance usability and patient relevance of digital cancer navigation tools. However, their application remains limited across cancer types, regions, and functions. Broader stakeholder participation and evaluation beyond usability are needed to strengthen coordination, equity, and sustainability in cancer care.