The Role of Digital Healthcare Technology Within the Cancer Treatment Pathway - Results From a UK-Based Survey

Digital technologies in cancer care, including smartwatches, wearable sensors, and app-based platforms, enable continuous real-time health monitoring. However, many devices are designed for fitness or wellness markets and are not optimised for clinical monitoring of cancer patients. This survey explored the potential role of digital technologies across the cancer pathway and aimed to identify key barriers to adoption.

A web-based questionnaire was developed through expert consensus, internally validated, and piloted with five individuals. It was distributed to UK-based healthcare professionals and academics via professional networks and social media. The survey examined: (1) the role of digital technology before, during, and after treatment; (2) technical barriers; and (3) human factors. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and free-text responses thematically.

Eighty-four responses were received (including 28% allied healthcare scientists, 26% nurses, 9% clinicians). 48% had used digital technologies in research and 27% in direct clinical care. Most respondents (95%) believed digital technologies could benefit cancer patients through direct communication with clinical teams (94%), mood monitoring (91%), and vital sign monitoring (87%). Perceived benefits varied across the cancer care pathway: before treatment, providing insight into patients' health (91%); during treatment, monitoring vital signs (96%) and side effects (91%); and after treatment, supporting rehabilitation (94%). Technical barriers included poor integration into clinical systems (66%), limited interoperability (83%), data accuracy concerns (82%), and suboptimal user design (80%). Human factors included the need for long-term support (94%) and digital literacy (92%). Specialist teams were considered most appropriate leads for monitoring during prospective studies (77%) and primary care for long-term follow-up (53%), with patients playing a central role in both scenarios.

Digital technologies are viewed as valuable tools across the cancer pathway, but integration, interoperability, design, and human factors must now be addressed to enable effective and equitable clinical adoption.