Hematological cancers impair patients' quality of life (QoL) due to prolonged and complex treatments. Digital empowerment programs enhance patient engagement by supporting symptom management and psychosocial well-being.
This study was conducted to examine the effects of patient-centered digital empowerment programs on hematological cancer care.
As part of this study, a comprehensive search was conducted in nine databases and the gray literature in March 2025. The screening included randomized controlled trials without any time restrictions. This study adhered to the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. Fixed-effect and random-effect models were used in the meta-analysis. Cochran's Q chi-square test and I 2 statistic were applied to assess heterogeneity. Data analysis was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) 3 software.
A total of seven studies were included in this meta-analysis. Patient-centered digital empowerment programs were found to have moderate and positive effects on depression (Hedges' g = 0.27, p < 0.001), distress (Hedges' g = 0.28, p < 0.001), self-efficacy, and QoL (Hedges' g = 0.22, p < 0.001). There was no significant effect on fatigue levels in patients with hematological cancers (p = 0.27), suggesting that digital empowerment programs may not be effective in managing fatigue. The results of the sensitivity analysis support the robustness and reliability of the study findings.
Digital empowerment programs may serve as a moderately effective tool in improving depression, distress, self-efficacy, and QoL among patients with hematological cancers. However, they exhibit limited effects on physical symptoms, particularly in fatigue management. Therefore, more comprehensive and multidisciplinary interventions are needed to address the management of physical symptoms effectively. Patient-centered digital empowerment programs enable early intervention by assisting healthcare professionals in symptom tracking. Digital solutions enhance care processes by improving patient education, psychosocial support, and self-management skills.
Cancer patients experience many symptoms. Nurse-led remote telephone triage can improve their quality of life by contributing to the management of these symptoms.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of nurse-led remote telephone triage on symptom management of patients with cancer.
The searches were conducted in 10 databases and gray literature from May 2023 to July 2023 without any year limitations. A fixed-effects model was used in the meta-analysis. Cochran's Q chi-squared test and I 2 statistics were used for heterogeneity. The PRISMA checklist was used. Data obtained from the included studies were analyzed using CMA 3 software.
Six relevant studies (1671 patients) were included. Nurse-led remote telephone triage was found to have a positive and moderate effect on parameters such as pain (Hedge's g = 0.21, p < .001), fatigue (Hedge's g = 0.28, p < .001), and depression (Hedge's g = 0.24, p < .001) in patients with cancer. Also, the remote telephone triage had a positive and low effect on outcomes such as anxiety (Hedge's g = 0.17, p = .001), nausea (Hedge's g = 0.17, p = .004), and vomiting (Hedge's g = 0.16, p = .007) but did not affect diarrhea results.
This study showed that nurse-led remote telephone triage considerably improved the symptoms of patients with cancer. This study will increase oncology nurses' awareness that nurse-led remote telephone triage of patients with cancer can improve their symptoms. Remote symptom triage developed using evidence-based guidelines and protocols can significantly contribute to the regular follow-up of patients' symptoms, providing quality care, and establishing appropriate symptom management programs and systems with high levels of evidence.
Telenursing interventions can contribute to achieving optimal glycemic control.
This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of nurse-led telephone-based interventions on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
We searched electronic databases for studies published in English up to January 2023. This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 checklist. The intervention effects were pooled using a random-effects model. Two authors independently assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration tool.
Eight studies involving 1179 people with type 2 diabetes were included in this study. Interventions were performed for 15–30 min and 5–16 calls. There was no evidence of a significant publication bias. The evaluation of meta-analysis data showed that nurse-led telephone-based interventions significantly reduced HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes (mean difference = −0.53, 95% Confidence Interval [−0.89, −0.17], p = .003).
Nurse-led telephone-based interventions focused on reducing glycosylated hemoglobin levels in people with type 2 diabetes can be used as an effective intervention to achieve glycemic control. We recommend holding an average of 15–25 min interviews once or twice a week.