Web-based educational tools and decision aids for patients with advanced cancer: A systematic review

Objectives: To provide an overview of existing interactive web-based educational tools and decision aids for patients with advanced cancer and to evaluate their development process, content, feasibility, usability, and effectiveness. Methods: Systematic literature search from inception to November 2023; screening with Covidence software; narrative analysis of results and quality assessment with the SUNDAE checklist. Results: Sixteen web-based tools were identified: Seven for breast cancer, six for other specific cancers, and three for mixed populations. Studies predominantly used literature reviews, focus groups, and/or pre-existing tools for the development. The tools were heterogeneous and not all integrated aspects of end-of-life care. User tests included controlled trials, prospective interventional cohort studies, and a retrospective observational study, involving a total of 6192 patients. Results showed partially low adoption and infrequent use. Feasibility and usability were positively rated with high rates of user satisfaction. Preparation for and involvement in decisionmaking was partially supported by increased knowledge and improved doctor-patient relationships. Effects on involvement and self-efficacy in decision-making, participation, and distress were uncertain. Effects on quality of life, hope, anxiety, engagement in palliative care/advance directives, and survival were not found. Conclusions: Despite high user satisfaction and adequate feasibility and usability, the evidence for other outcomes is diverse and low for long-term implementation. Tools are very heterogeneous in cancer entities and content. Although targeting patients with advanced cancer not all tools integrate aspects of palliative care and end-of-life. Practice implications: In advanced cancer care, patient involvement in decision-making is complex. Web-based solutions are promising because of easy accessibility and dissemination and the ability to adapt information to patients' needs and new treatment developments. Still, only a few evidence-based web-based educational tools and decision aids are available. Filling this gap is essential to empower patients to make informed and goalconcordant treatment decisions.