Clinical Scorecard: Evaluating the Effects of Digital Interactive Interventions on Outcomes for Prostate Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Narrative Review

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• Prostate cancer survivors face long-term physical and psychological challenges including urinary, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, anxiety, and reduced quality of life.
• Digital health interventions offer accessible, scalable, and personalized support that can improve symptom management, psychological well-being, and quality of life.
• Existing reviews lack comprehensive synthesis across all digital intervention types and survivorship outcomes; this review addresses that gap with an outcome-wide evaluation.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Assess prostate cancer survivors for persistent physical symptoms (urinary, bowel, sexual dysfunction) and psychological distress during follow-up.

Management

• Incorporate digital interactive interventions such as web platforms, mobile apps, and telehealth to support symptom monitoring and self-management.
• Use digital tools to provide tailored feedback and coaching to address multifaceted survivorship needs including lifestyle behaviors and psychological support.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Utilize digital health technologies for continuous symptom tracking and timely intervention between medical appointments.
• Monitor patient engagement and outcomes through digital platforms to optimize survivorship care.

Risks

• Be aware of potential digital literacy barriers and ensure equitable access to digital interventions.
• Consider privacy and data security when implementing digital health solutions.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Men who have completed primary prostate cancer treatment and are in the survivorship phase.

Digital interactive interventions are acceptable and effective in improving quality of life, reducing distress, enhancing self-efficacy, and managing fatigue and other symptoms.

Clinical Best Practices

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of physical, psychological, and functional domains in prostate cancer survivors.
• Integrate digital health tools as adjuncts to traditional care to enhance patient engagement and self-management.
• Tailor digital interventions to address individual survivor needs including sexual health, urinary function, and emotional well-being.
• Ensure ongoing evaluation of digital intervention effectiveness and patient satisfaction.

References

• Global prostate cancer statistics and projections
• Systematic review of digital health interventions in oncology supportive care
• PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews
• PROSPERO registration of this review