Digital-Focused Approaches in Cancer Patients’ Management in the Post-COVID Era: Challenges and Solutions

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated the adoption of telemedicine and digital health technologies, revealing their immense potential in managing cancer patients effectively. This article explores the impact of recent technological developments and widened consumer perspectives on personalised healthcare and patient awareness, particularly in oncology. Smartphones and wearable devices have become integral to daily life, promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting cancer patients through remote monitoring and health management. The widespread use of these devices presents an unprecedented opportunity to transform clinical trials and patient care by offering convenient and accessible means of collecting health data continuously and non-invasively. However, to fully harness their potential, it is crucial to establish standardised methods for measuring patient metrics to ensure data reliability and validity. This article also addresses the challenges of integrating these technologies into clinical practice, such as cost, patient and professional reluctance, and technological oversaturation. It emphasises the need for continuous innovation, the development of robust digital infrastructures, and the importance of fostering a supportive environment to integrate these advancements permanently. Ultimately, the convergence of technological innovation and personalised healthcare promises to enhance patient outcomes, improve quality of life, and revolutionise cancer management in the post-COVID era.

Keywords

• cancer
• smartphone
• biomarker
• microneedles
• biosensors
• clinical trials