{
  "abstract": "Background and Importance Digital health tools have gained relevance in cancer care, allowing patients to access health information and communicate more effectively with professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this digital transformation, yet the extent of adoption among oncology patients remains unclear. Patients with oncohaematological diseases require continuous and personalised care, where digital literacy and technology use are crucial for safe and efficient treatment follow-up. Understanding how patients’ digital habits have evolved before and after the pandemic can guide strategies to promote validated and user-friendly digital tools.Aim and Objectives To evaluate changes in the use of digital technologies among ambulatory oncohaematological patients receiving active treatment, and to explore their awareness, preferences, and willingness to use mobile health applications as a communication and self-management tool.Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between August and December 2023 in oncohaematological outpatients receiving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or hormone therapy. The same 31-item questionnaire used in a 2017 baseline study was administered, assessing sociodemographic characteristics, use of digital devices, communication preferences, and perceived impact of the pandemic. Exclusion criteria were age below 18 years and language or cultural barriers. Data were analysed using Chi-squared and t-tests, with p<0.05 considered significant.Results A total of 690 questionnaires were collected (mean age 59 years, 56% female). Smartphone use for health information increased from 73% to 90% (p<0.005), and health app use rose from 20% to 54% (p<0.001). Awareness of mobile applications improved (68% to 76%), while digitally uninformed patients decreased (23% to 15%). Preference for video calls as a communication method increased (19% to 32%), while email use declined. Importantly, 72% of patients expressed willingness to use a health app recommended by a professional.Conclusion and Relevance Digital engagement among oncology patients significantly increased after the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospital pharmacists can play a pivotal role in ensuring safe and effective integration of digital tools into oncology care. Expanding the implementation of the existing onco-haematology app (OncoSalud) and developing pharmacist-led digital literacy programmes may enhance patient adherence, safety, and communication continuity.Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Pharmacy, Madrid, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "A Prieto Romero"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Pharmacy, Madrid, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "R Collado-Borrell"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Pharmacy, Madrid, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "V Escudero-Vilaplana"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Pharmacy, Madrid, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "G Domínguez Chaparro"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Pharmacy, Madrid, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "C Villanueva Bueno"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Pharmacy, Madrid, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "MDP Montero Antón"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Pharmacy, Madrid, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "Y Rioja Díez"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Pharmacy, Madrid, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "A Carrillo Burdallo"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Pharmacy, Madrid, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "D Gómez-Costas"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Pharmacy, Madrid, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "A Herranz Alonso"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Pharmacy, Madrid, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "M Sanjurjo Sáez"
    }
  ],
  "title": "4CPS-166 Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on digital health use in ambulatory onco-haematology: a hospital pharmacy-led study",
  "uid": "cec30860-f0b6-541d-8a65-111b2c0e14a0"
}