Previously submitted to: Journal of Medical Internet Research (no longer under consideration since Jan 20, 2026)
Date Submitted: Jan 10, 2026
Open Peer Review Period: Jan 12, 2026 - Jan 20, 2026
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Effectiveness of digital interventions promoting HL-NAV in self-care and quality of life of patients transitioning from hospital to home: a systematic literature review
ABSTRACT
Background:
The challenges faced by patients in navigating and using health care systems have increased alongside the growing complexity and fragmentation of these systems. This reality, combined with the digitalization of health services, requires patients to have higher levels of navigation health literacy (HL-NAV) in order to adequately understand and use available care. However, despite increasing investment in digital solutions aimed at promoting this literacy, uncertainty remains regarding their actual effectiveness in supporting self-care and improving patients’ quality of life, particularly during the transition from hospital to home.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of digital HL-NAV interventions in promoting self-care and improving the quality of life of patients transitioning from hospital to home.
Methods:
Intervention and effectiveness studies were eligible, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies. The review followed the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The search strategy identified studies published in the Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and PubMed databases. The risk of bias of the selected studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2).
Results:
A total of 2,152 articles were identified, of which 12 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final review. Among the digital interventions evaluated, mobile applications and digital assistants showed the most consistent and promising results, with improvements in both self-care and quality of life across different clinical conditions. Web-based programs and telehealth interventions also demonstrated positive effects, although less consistently, while stand-alone SMS interventions had limited impact. QR code–based interventions showed specific benefits for self-care but were evaluated in only a small number of studies.
Conclusions:
Digital interventions show potential to improve quality of life and self-care, particularly those involving interactive technologies and personalized support; however, more robust studies are needed to consolidate this evidence. Clinical Trial: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024619220.
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