Systematic review of challenges of telehealth-based intervention in managing cancer pain

Abstract

Introduction: Understanding the challenges of telehealth interventions is essential to determining their future direction in cancer pain management, as these are considered complex interventions. This systematic review aimed to identify the challenges associated with telehealthbased interventions in cancer pain management.

Materials and methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. A systematic search was conducted from January 19 to February 2, 2022, covering the past 10 years. Databases searched included PubMed and EBSCO. Inclusion criteria were articles published in English focusing on cancer pain in patients with any cancer diagnosis. Data were extracted on participants, interventions, and outcomes, with a particular focus on challenges reported in each study. A total of 320 publications were retrieved and screened; 38 articles met the inclusion criteria.

Results: The most reported challenge was limited or slow Internet access, followed by lack of technological expertise among healthcare teams and low computer literacy. Human resource-related challenges were also frequently reported, including inadequate reimbursement mechanisms, concerns over malpractice, increased staff workload, and absence of formal organisational structures. In studies conducted after the COVID-19 pandemic, data-related issues such as data security and management were also highlighted.

Conclusion: Telehealth is a rapidly growing technology with the potential to transform healthcare delivery. Addressing the challenges identified in this review may help guide the development and implementation of more effective telehealth interventions in cancer pain management.