Digital Health Applications in Oncology: An Opportunity to Seize

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Digital Health
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Digital health innovations have transformed psychiatric and cardiovascular care but are nascent in oncology.
• Cancer care is the fastest-growing area of healthcare spending, presenting significant opportunities for digital health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the current state of digital health technologies in medical oncology practice.
• To outline strategies for improving the clinical utility and integration of digital health in cancer care.
• To address challenges exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic in the digital health ecosystem.

Main Methods:

• The article stems from proceedings of a 2020 workshop by the National Cancer Policy Forum.
• It synthesizes discussions on digital health in oncology, including patient-facing and clinician-facing technologies.
• Recommendations are developed for clinicians, health systems, innovators, and policymakers.

Main Results:

• Digital health offers opportunities to enhance patient experience, safety, and clinician decision-making in oncology.
• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital health adoption but also revealed flaws in integration, data management, and regulation.
• Key areas for improvement include clinical integration, data access/quality/security, and regulatory/reimbursement frameworks.

Conclusions:

• Efficient and safe integration of digital health technologies into cancer care requires a coordinated approach.
• Addressing identified flaws is crucial for realizing the full potential of digital health in oncology.
• Calls to action are provided for stakeholders to facilitate widespread adoption and optimal use.