CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH POST-OPERATIVE CANCER CARE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY FOR IMPROVED OUTCOMES: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Main Article Content

Mr Amey Shirish Shrotri
Somdatta Mukherjee
Dr. Amit Kumar

Keywords

Cancer, digital technology, healthcare, LMICs, post-operative complications, surgery, telemedicine

Abstract

Cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment have a profound effect on the lives of patients and their families. Post-surgical care is a critical phase in the cancer treatment continuum, and significantly influences recovery, quality of life, and long-term outcomes. There are multiple challenges associated with post-surgical cancer care. This review aimed to identify barriers to post-surgery cancer care management, particularly in low-resource settings. Additionally, it aim to understand the importance of integrating digital healthcare technologies for efficient healthcare delivery to patients after cancer surgery. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Several medical, psychological, and logistical challenges have been identified as barriers to accessing healthcare for patients with cancer. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the main obstacles are financial constraints, lack of accessibility to specialized care, lack of resources and awareness, and the gap in patient-provider communication. The advancement of digital health technology has resulted in the creation of technology-driven approaches to delivering healthcare. It is beneficial in overcoming some of the challenges associated with post-operative cancer care in LMICs. Integrating technology-enabled solutions such as smart mobile applications, remote monitoring tools, telemonitoring, telemedicine platforms, artificial intelligence, and digital therapeutics can transform patient care. Recently, India has seen a surge in the adoption of digital health technologies that are aimed at improving the quality and continuity of care for cancer patients. Although digital technologies have the potential to revolutionize postoperative cancer care in India, strategic implementation focusing on infrastructure, education, policy, and ethical considerations is essential.

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