Facing a Cancer Diagnosis: Patients' Psychosocial Experiences in Navigating Treatment and Digital Health Technology
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Abstract
Cancer patients face significant psychological and emotional challenges during their treatment journey, particularly in managing uncertainty and maintaining emotional resilience. The advent of digital health technologies has provided new avenues for patient support, yet their impact on the lived experiences of cancer patients remains underexplored. While prior research has focused on clinical outcomes, little is known about how these technologies influence patients' sense of control, emotional well-being, and trust in healthcare. This study employs a phenomenological approach to investigate cancer patients’ experiences with digital health tools and their implications for psychological resilience. Through in-depth qualitative analysis, findings reveal that digital health technologies enhance self-efficacy and provide a sense of control but also introduce challenges related to information overload and medical discrepancies. These results highlight the complex interplay between technology and emotional resilience, emphasizing the need for patient-centered digital interventions that integrate psychological and humanistic perspectives. Future research should expand on these findings by examining diverse patient populations and assessing the long-term effects of digital health engagement on emotional and psychological well-being.
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