Digital Transformation and Sustainable Healthcare: Exploring Cancer Patients’ Interaction with Health Applications

Introduction: A sustainable healthcare system delivers high-quality health services that are environmentally, socially, and economically responsible. Digital transformation (DT), using health applications (apps), promises sustainability in healthcare. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, health apps assisted patients in communicating with physicians and facilitated the provision of medical services. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted through semistructured interviews among 27 cancer patients and survivors from Saudi Arabia’s northern, central, eastern, and western regions, representing various types and stages of cancer. Data were collected through focus group discussions, individual interviews, and key informant interviews. Thematic analysis was used to assess the role of health apps in facilitating communication for cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The participants utilized the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) health apps, primarily Tawakalna and Sehaty, in addition to other apps, to obtain clinical consultations, inquire about COVID-19 vaccines, secure travel permits, and access medical records. This enabled healthcare facilities to sustain the delivery of services during the pandemic. Despite encountering some minor challenges, such as navigating the apps, the majority of our interviewees expressed satisfaction with the services provided by these applications, which led them to recommend their use to other patients. Additionally, participants found that health apps offered easier access compared to visiting a hospital in person, particularly since explaining their symptoms remotely was not difficult. However, a few participants indicated that telemedicine is an inadequate method for diagnosing or inquiring about cancer due to the complexity of the disease and the need for more advanced investigations. Conclusion: Amid the challenges of the pandemic, digital transformation, exemplified by MOH health apps, allowed vulnerable patients to stay connected with healthcare providers. There was a consensus among our interviewees in support of health apps. It is strongly recommended that application developers adopt a strategic approach centered on comprehensive testing to assess user satisfaction and identify barriers, particularly among diverse populations and patient groups, especially cancer patients. Regular updates informed by ongoing assessment findings are essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these applications within the healthcare context.