Cancer patients treated and managed through connected health technologies appear to have better wellbeing and quality of life (QoL), reports a recent meta-analysis.

Drawing from the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and PsycINFO, the researchers retrieved 37 eligible studies, yielding a cumulative sample of 8,956 participants. The studies assessed health technologies such as web-based applications (n=24), smart applications (n=12), and wearable devices (n=1).

Of note, the researchers noted that studies were heterogenous in terms of the components of the health interventions. Five themes emerged: psychosocial support and rehabilitation; psychoeducation and information support; symptom monitoring, reporting, and self-management; peer and social support; and health coaching and physical activity training.

Only seven randomized controlled trials were qualified for pooled analysis due to strong heterogeneity of evidence. Meta-analysis revealed that using connected health interventions had moderate but significant benefit on depression symptoms (standardized mean difference [SMD], –0.226, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], –0.303 to –0.149).

A similar but slightly weaker effect was reported for anxiety (SMD, –0.188, 95 percent CI, –0.279 to –0.0936). All analyses were compared against standard of care.

“Future rigorous research employing both qualitative and experimental designs is needed to comprehensively inform the relevant components, timing, design, intensity, and delivery of these interventions, particularly for the emerging technologies,” the researchers said.