The Experiences of Adolescents and Young Adults with Digital Supportive Care Interventions for Cancer : A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies

Background: Evidence suggests the importance of cancer supportive care for adolescents and young adults (AYAs), and digital technology may provide tailored care that is flexible, affordable and accessible. However, AYAs’ experiences with these digital cancer supportive care interventions are currently unclear. Objective: The aim of this review is to systematically identify and explore potential intervention facilitators, barriers and areas of improvement. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL for mixed methods and qualitative studies, published between 2000 and 2023, focusing on the experiences of AYAs between the ages of 15 and 39 years using digital supportive care interventions for cancer. Studies involving only pediatric and older populations were excluded. The identified studies were critically appraised and thematically analyzed. Results: Twenty-three digital interventions were identified. They varied in modality and addressed different aspects of supportive care (e.g., physical activity, psychological well-being and symptom management). Participants’ experiences with the intervention attributes (e.g., appropriate content, flexible choices, seamless technology and inclusive environment) influenced their physical and psychological health, connections and communication skills, and autonomy. Conclusions: Overall, AYAs reported favorable experiences with digital interventions when provided with tailored supportive care for cancer. Digital interventions may help to increase reach and access to supportive care for cancer; however, barriers to delivery, such as faulty technology or cumbersome intervention features, can negatively impact participant experiences and may reduce engagement.