Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Patients With Cancer Receiving Antineoplastic or Supportive...

The expansion of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has transformed the way patients access health information and manage their disease. In oncology and hematology care, the use of digital tools and mobile health has increased, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, although challenges remain regarding adoption, trust, and perceived utility.

This study aimed to evaluate the current use of ICTs by patients with cancer receiving antineoplastic and/or supportive therapy, to assess their interest in mobile apps for disease management, and to compare these findings with those obtained in a previous survey conducted in 2017.

A comparative cross-sectional survey was conducted in a 1300-bed university hospital between August and December 2023. Adult patients with solid tumors or hematological malignancies receiving antineoplastic and/or supportive therapy were invited to complete a structured paper questionnaire based on a previous survey conducted in 2017. The questionnaire included 30 items regarding sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, ICT use, preferences concerning health apps, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to compare results between the prepandemic survey conducted in 2017 (2017 study group; n=612) and the postpandemic survey conducted in 2023 (2023 study group; n=690). Missing responses were reported as "no response" and were not imputed.

Smartphone use increased from 82.5% (505/612) to 91% (628/690; P<.001), and the proportion of patients with installed health apps rose from 20.3% (124/612) to 53.9% (372/690; P<.001). Familiarity with technological terms and the use of connected devices also improved. However, full trust in online health information remained low (64/690, 9.3%), with most patients reporting trust contingent on source credibility. Preference for videoconferencing as a communication channel with health care professionals increased from 19% (116/612) to 32% (221/690; P<.001), while the use of email and mobile apps for this purpose declined. Willingness to use apps recommended by health care professionals remained high, although it decreased slightly from 81.4% (498/612) to 77.8% (537/690).

The use of ICTs and digital health tools among patients with cancer has increased significantly in recent years, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, barriers persist in terms of source credibility, usability, digital skills, and alignment with patient preferences. Strategies such as clinician-curated information sources, co-designed apps, simple communication channels, and targeted digital literacy support may help integrate these technologies more effectively and equitably in cancer care.