Enhancing Circle-of-Care Communication in Pediatric Cancer Through Digital Health Technologies: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Pediatric Oncology
• Health Communication

Background:

• Effective communication is vital in pediatric cancer care for shared decision-making.
• Digital tools offer potential to improve information exchange among patients, families, and clinicians.
• Existing research needs synthesis to understand the landscape of digital health in this context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of digital tools enhancing communication in pediatric cancer care.
• To identify types of digital tools used and their functionalities.
• To assess the evidence on the effectiveness and challenges of these tools.

Main Methods:

• Searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE for studies published between 2014-2024.
• Included English-language studies evaluating digital health tools for pediatric cancer care communication.
• Focused on tools for symptom tracking, quality-of-life monitoring, and health information sharing.

Main Results:

• Twenty-eight studies were included, focusing on symptom tracking (10), QOL monitoring (5), and information sharing (8).
• Real-time symptom trackers enabled timely interventions; QOL tools integrated patient-reported outcomes.
• Information-sharing platforms improved care transitions but faced EHR integration limits; adherence and data accuracy were common challenges.

Conclusions:

• Digital tools show transformative potential for pediatric cancer care communication.
• Barriers include patient/caregiver adherence, data accuracy, and scalability.
• Future innovations require user-centered design, real-time collaboration, and seamless EHR integration.