Perceived benefits and disadvantages for healthcare professionals when implementing digital health technologies in breast cancer care: A systematic review.

Background: Digital health technologies (DHTs) are increasingly being used in healthcare, including breast cancer care and aftercare, to improve patient-related outcomes and efficiently organise care processes. This systematic review aims to synthesise existing evidence on perceived advantages and disadvantages of adopting DHTs from the perspective of healthcare professionals (HCPs). Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, IEEE Xplore and PsycInfo using a peer-reviewed search strategy. Studies addressing advantages and disadvantages of DHTs in breast cancer care with a focus on HCPs' perspectives were included. A thematic synthesis approach was employed to extract and categorise qualitative and quantitative findings. The quality assessment of the included studies was carried out using Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklist. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024508808). Results: The database search retrieved 657 records, of which 21 reports were included in the final analysis. HCPs mentioned several advantages of DHTs, including improved patient care as well as support for clinical decision-making. Disadvantages included concerns about clinical accuracy and increased complexity in clinical workflows. Factors that facilitated the adoption of DHTs involved user-centred design and the perception of improved care quality. As barriers a lack of technical infrastructure and doubts about clinical benefits were mentioned. Conclusion: Although HCPs recognise the potential of DHTs to improve the quality of care, technical and organisational barriers can limit widespread adoption. Involving HCPs in the development and implementation of DHTs can support the sustainable integration of DHTs into breast cancer care.