Digital health technologies for chronic disease self-management: A qualitative systematic review.

OBJECTIVE

This review aimed to synthesize chronic disease patients' authentic experiences of using digital health technologies (DHTs) for self-management.

METHODS

10 databases were searched from inception to February 2026. Qualitative studies reporting patient experiences with DHTs for chronic disease self-management were included. Quality appraisal followed JBI guidelines, and data synthesis used thematic analysis.

RESULTS

40 studies were included. Three themes with 10 subthemes were identified: (1) Empowerment and Connection (cognitive empowerment, behavioral empowerment, emotional empowerment, and doctor-patient connection); (2) Coexistence of Empowerment and Burden (burden of data stewardship, information overload and misalignment, and heightened disease identity); and (3) Multi-level Factors Influencing Experience (individual agency, social support networks, system integration).

CONCLUSION

Patients' experiences with DHTs involve both empowerment and burden. Effective implementation requires alignment between technology design, individual capacity, social support, and healthcare integration.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians should recognize the empowerment-burden duality when recommending DHTs. Designers should prioritize personalization, privacy, and user-friendly interfaces. Policymakers should address digital literacy and system integration to promote equitable access.