Digital symptom management interventions for patients with head and neck cancer during peri-chemoradiotherapy: a scoping review using the UK Medical Research Council Framework

Patients with head and neck cancer experience a substantial symptom burden that severely affects their quality of life during peri-chemoradiotherapy. Digital health interventions offer a promising approach for symptom management. However, such interventions are often hindered by the engagement-impact gap, characterized by poorly sustained user engagement and insufficient clinical application. A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. This review adopts two complementary analytical aims: systematic descriptive mapping of global empirical evidence, and a multi-level, theory-driven integrated synthesis informed by the Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions and the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour model. Six electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CINAHL) and grey literature sources were searched from inception to January 2026. Studies were included if they focused on digital health interventions for symptom management in patients with head and neck cancer during peri-chemoradiotherapy. Data were synthesized and coded in alignment with the Medical Research Council framework. The Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour model was applied to propose targeted, theory-informed solutions. The search yielded 32 studies, comprising a mix of development and validation studies, primarily conducted in high-income countries. Digital health interventions were delivered via seven modalities, with programme/website and mobile applications being the most common. This review mapped the primary application scenarios of interventions. Implementation barriers were also identified. This scoping review systematically maps the landscape of digital health interventions in patients with head and neck cancer during peri-chemoradiotherapy. Preliminary evidence indicates that these digital modalities may improve symptom control. However, most included studies were limited by small sample sizes and non-controlled designs. Using the Medical Research Council framework and the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour model, we identified core implementation barriers and developed tentative, hypothesis-generating insights for intervention optimisation. These theoretical propositions, nevertheless, lack direct validation from primary research. Collectively, the available evidence is promising but preliminary, and well‑controlled trials are needed before firm conclusions about intervention effectiveness can be reached.