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

Objective Telehealth platforms have potential utility for providing remote access to supportive care to people with brain tumour. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of delivering supportive care via telehealth platforms to adults with primary brain tumour and family caregivers. Methods A systematic search of PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library was conducted from 1980 to 1st June 2020 to identify eligible studies. Methodological quality was assessed by two independent reviewers. Results Seventeen 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 (Msatisfied 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 tumour 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.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of delivering supportive care via telehealth platforms to individuals with primary brain tumor and their caregivers. Key findings included moderate accrual and adherence rates, high satisfaction levels, and better outcomes for interventions involving real-time interactions.