The needs for digital health and eHeath literacy of cancer patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers: A multicenter, descriptive correlational study

Abstract

Purpose: Digital health is an indispensable tool, but its use depends on the eHealth literacy (eHL) of end-users. This study aimed to understand the need for digital health and eHL among cancer patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers and to identify differences in digital health needs related to the eHL of cancer patients.

Methods: A multicenter, descriptive correlational study was conducted and included a total of 209 patients, 150 caregivers and 150 healthcare providers. Digital health needs were identified, and eHL was measured using the Korean version of the eHealth Literacy Scale. Differences in digital health needs in relation to the eHL of patients were analyzed.

Results: The most necessary digital health functions among cancer patients and caregivers were ‘information and education on symptom management after cancer treatment’ and ‘education on coping methods for each type of cancer’ (87.1–94.0%). Healthcare providers reported the need for a digital health function for ‘medication information’ and assisting in ‘medical appointments’ (96.7–98.0%). The preferred types of digital health were telemonitoring, mobile services, and telemedicine by telephone (81.3–90.5%). The mean eHL score of the cancer patients was 28.84 ± 6.75. Differences existed in the need for digital health functions and preferences for digital health types between cancer patients with high and low eHL.

Conclusions: Cancer patients and caregivers expressed strong needs for digital health that provide information and education about symptom management and coping with cancer. Digital health interventions for cancer care need to be developed to reflect the identified needs and preferences and eHL of end-users.