Comparative Efficacy of e‐Health Interventions for Quality of Life in Patients With Cancer: A Network Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Liyang Duan, Shu Zhang, Qianwen Yan, Yang Chen, Yawen Su, Xiaolin Hu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In clinical oncology nursing practice, the preservation of quality of life is an essential component. E-health interventions have been proven effective in improving quality of life in patients with cancer, but the optimal content and delivery format remain undetermined. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of e-health interventions with varying contents and delivery formats in improving quality of life in patients with cancer. DESIGN: Network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. DATA SOURCE: Six databases, including Medline, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PsycINFO, were searched from inception to October 25, 2025. METHODS: Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data. A pairwise meta-analysis and a network meta-analysis were performed sequentially to determine the efficacy of different contents and delivery formats of e-health interventions in improving quality of life in patients with cancer. RESULTS: A total of 50 studies included e-health interventions with eight contents and five delivery formats. The results identified health education (SUCRA = 82.2%), symptom management (SUCRA = 72.2%), and rehabilitation interventions (SUCRA = 71.1%) as the three most effective e-health intervention contents for improving quality of life in patients with cancer. Among delivery formats, app-based (SUCRA = 82.1%), internet/web-based (SUCRA = 71.5%), and telephone-based e-health interventions (SUCRA = 53.3%) ranked among the top three. CONCLUSIONS: This study explored the efficacy of different contents and delivery formats of e-health interventions in improving quality of life in patients with cancer. These results are expected to provide an evidence-based basis for clinical oncology nursing practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO number: CRD42025638829.