Digital supportive care in prostate cancer: a systematic review.
C Paterson, D Coro, J N Morris et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review synthesised evidence on the perspectives and requirements of people affected by prostate cancer for patient-facing digital supportive care. Searches of four databases identified 88 studies involving 29,256 participants; findings were appraised and narratively synthesised using the HOT-fit framework. Participants generally valued digital care for convenience, flexibility and immediate access. Reported benefits included support for self-management through decision aids, symptom tools, information and psychosocial resources. Uptake could be constrained by technology access, device compatibility, digital literacy and emotional readiness.
Key findings
- The review included 88 studies representing 29,256 participants affected by prostate cancer.
- Digital supportive care was generally acceptable, with convenience, flexibility and immediate access cited as valued features.
- Decision aids, symptom-management tools, information and psychosocial resources supported aspects of self-management.
- Barriers included technology access, device compatibility, digital literacy and emotional readiness.
Why it matters
Digital supportive care may extend access to information and self-management resources, but its usefulness depends on whether the technology fits users and the care setting. Recognising barriers such as limited digital literacy or access is important when designing and implementing services. The review also identifies gaps in sexual wellbeing support and in evidence about engagement and long-term sustainability.
What to keep in mind
The review reports limited attention to digital sexual wellbeing support and identifies insufficient evidence on engagement among people with low digital literacy, non-English speakers and lower-income populations, as well as on long-term sustainability.