Using Mobile Health (mHealth) Interventions to Optimise Breast Cancer Care: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction: Mobile phones have become ubiquitous in recent years. This portable device can be efficiently utilised to promote health and deliver high-quality healthcare services via Mobile Health (mHealth) technology interventions. In view of the increasing global burden of breast cancer cases, mHealth interventions can be constructive in breast cancer prevention and management. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of evidence to support the utility of mHealth interventions in breast cancer care. Aim: To analyse and synthesise evidence from published literature on the feasibility and effectiveness of mHealth interventions employed for breast cancer prevention, detection, management, and rehabilitation. Additionally, this study intends to draft a conceptual framework for mHealth intervention strategies in breast cancer management. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted at Panimalar Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from June 2022 to December 2022. Google Scholar and PubMed databases were used to find published articles relevant to the study’s objectives. The reviewers selected articles based on the relevance of the article and eligibility criteria. Articles on mHealth interventions for the female population above 18 years of age with breast cancer were included. Results: A total of 13 articles were selected based on the eligibility criteria. Regardless of the type of mHealth technology employed, target population, and purpose of intervention, all the studies strongly support the use of mHealth technologybased interventions over usual care to enhance breast cancer management. Conclusion: The use of mHealth applications has increased exponentially in recent years. Since then, many studies have been conducted to validate their use. However, the usability of these applications is not well established. The involvement of not only patients but also healthcare professionals is crucial to develop well-equipped digital health applications. Personalised applications that provide security and safeguard user privacy are highly preferred by patients. A collaborative approach involving patients, healthcare professionals, and application developers will aid in the development of highly efficient mHealth applications.