Use of telehealth platforms for delivering supportive care to adults with primary brain tumors and their family caregivers: A systematic review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Telehealth platforms have potential utility for providing remote access to supportive care to people with brain tumor. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of delivering supportive care via telehealth platforms to adults with primary brain tumor and family caregivers. METHODS: A systematic search of PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library was conducted from 1980 to June 1st 2020 to identify eligible studies. Methodological quality was assessed by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: 17 articles, reporting on 16 studies, evaluated telephone-based support (5 studies), videoconferencing (3 studies), web-based programs and resources (7 studies) or combined use of videoconferencing and web-based modules (1 study) to deliver supportive care remotely. Caregivers were involved in 31% of interventions. Mean rates of accrual (68%) and adherence (74%) were moderate, whereas acceptability or satisfaction for those completing the interventions was typically high (M satisfied or very satisfied = 81%). Adherence rates were generally higher and clinical gains were more evident for interventions involving real-time interaction as opposed to self-guided interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth delivery of supportive care is feasible and acceptable to a high proportion of individuals with primary brain tumor and their caregivers. It is recommended that future research focuses on implementation outcomes, including factors influencing the uptake and sustainability of telehealth platforms in practice.