Advances in digital technology/artificial intelligence began showing returns on
investment in cancer detection and diagnosis, with deep learning approaches
outperforming human capacities, arriving more quickly at accurate diagnoses of
underlying pathology. The purpose of the research, based on a systematic analysis of
the literature, was to examine the usefulness of digital technology and information
systems as a support in the treatment of oncology patients. Literature searches were
performed in the international databases PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Science Direct,
Cochrane and COBISS. We searched for articles using keywords, digital technology,
information systems, tele-medicine, oncology, cancer patient. In reviewing the
literature, we used articles that were not older than ten years, were professional and
scientific articles, and were available in Slovenian and English. An initial search of
scientific and professional articles using keywords gave us 218 articles. We excluded
those that were not related to the topic of our research. After removing duplicates and
reviewing articles based on title, 79 of them remained. After reviewing the summaries,
54 articles remained. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, fully accessible
articles from scientific and professional sources were reviewed for suitability. We
included 14 articles in the final synthesis and analysis. Digital technologies in oncology
include technologies aimed at patients, medical doctors, technologies aimed at
improving the quality of care and research platforms for improving clinical practices.
The latter include various applications for smart phones, tablets, computers, wearable
devices, chat or video conferences and other applications that enable quick
consultation between doctors and patients. The use of digital technologies in oncology
helps in early detection of cancer, improving the quality and efficiency of treatment,
promoting patient engagement. The use of digital technologies has many benefits,
including: empowering patients to make clinical decisions, leading to greater patient
satisfaction and reduced anxiety, as well as support throughout their cancer treatment
and connecting with other patients.
|
