Background: Digitally enabled care models/programs are being used for cancer treatment and survivorship care. However, for ethnic minority cancer people with cancer and survivors, there has been limited evidence on what digitally enabled care models/programs exist and their outcomes for people from ethnic minority backgrounds. This systematic review synthesised evidence on digitally enabled care being used to provide cancer services and their outcomes for people from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Methods: Seven electronic databases, including MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertation and Theses Global, CINAHL and EMBASE, were searched in October 2024. A narrative, textual approach was used to summarise and synthesise the findings from the included studies.
Results: Following screening, 14 studies, with majority (9, 64%) published between 2020 and 2024, met the eligibility criteria for analysis. Two main models of digitally enabled care were identified, including digitally enabled care models integrated into existing health services such as telehealth (4, 28.6%). Adjunct digitally enabled care programs such as webpage interventions (10, 71.4%). All the studies reported at least one implementation and or patient experience, health and clinical outcomes, with results generally showing positive effects on access to care, patient satisfaction, quality of life and psychological and mental health outcomes. Several notable gaps were identified in the included studies. While no study came from Australia, none of the studies specifically addressed equity of digitally enabled care interventions.
Conclusion: Digitally enabled care models and programs have the potential to improve access to cancer services and health outcomes for people with cancer and their families from ethnic minority backgrounds. However, more research is needed, especially among different minority groups such as refugees. Furthermore, adjunct programs may benefit from integrating with existing health systems and services due to evidence of their acceptability and positive health outcomes.