Apps and web-based interventions for prostate cancer follow-up-a scoping review

Background. Side effects due to prostate cancer therapy and psychosocial strain are not always recognised during follow-up, which may result in the absence of appropriate therapy offers. Recent studies have shown a potential for improving care by integrating digital technologies like smartphone apps. Objective. This scoping review aimed to explore the effects of apps for the assessment of side effects and distress, provision of individualised patient information and management of prostate cancer follow-up on patient outcome. Furthermore, findings on user acceptance and recommendations for implementation and evaluation were identified. Methods. The databases MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, Science-Direct, PSYNDEX, wiso and SpringerLink were searched for quantitative and qualitative primary studies from the period 2005 until August 2020. Results. In all, 22 studies were included in the review. Apps and web-based interventions had a positive effect on physical symptoms, psychosocial distress and participation in treatment. User acceptance was predominantly good, but there were still substantial numbers of non-users. Conclusions. Apps and web-based interventions can be an effective supplement to follow-up care, especially if they are adapted to individual patient needs. Robust evidence is still lacking. There is a need for larger randomised controlled studies, particularly in the German healthcare setting.