Designing Human-Centric Digital Support Platforms for Cancer Care: Lessons from Healthcare Innovation

The Imperative for Human-Centric Digital Support in Cancer Care

Cancer is a life-altering diagnosis that impacts not only patients but also their families, workplaces, and communities. With nearly half of all cancer diagnoses occurring during working age, the need for supportive care that extends beyond clinical treatment is more urgent than ever. As the nature of work and healthcare evolves—driven by remote work, telehealth, and digital transformation—organizations have a unique opportunity to reimagine how they support employees and patients navigating cancer.

Digital supportive care platforms are emerging as a powerful solution, enabling personalized, accessible, and holistic support for those affected by cancer. Drawing on Publicis Sapient’s experience with healthcare providers, life sciences organizations, and leading employers, this page explores best practices for designing and implementing human-centric digital support platforms that drive better outcomes for patients and employees alike.

The Value of Digital Support: Beyond Clinical Care

Supportive care in cancer encompasses a wide range of services—emotional, psychological, financial, and logistical—that complement medical treatment. Research shows that robust supportive care improves quality of life, reduces pain and symptoms, and can even extend survival. Social support, in particular, is a critical determinant of health outcomes, with strong relationships linked to a 50% higher likelihood of survival for cancer patients.

Digital platforms can amplify the reach and impact of supportive care by:

Providing on-demand access to resources, coaching, and peer communities
Enabling patients to report symptoms and outcomes in real time
Delivering personalized content and interventions based on individual needs
Facilitating communication between patients, caregivers, and care teams

A notable example is the connected supportive care platform co-designed by Publicis Sapient and the Duke Cancer Institute. This patient-facing app allows users to explore supportive care services, track outcomes, and receive tailored resources, while enabling care teams to assess needs and measure impact more effectively.

Human-Centric Design: The Key to Adoption and Impact

Despite the proliferation of digital health tools, many fail to achieve meaningful adoption. The difference between success and irrelevance lies in human-centric design—solutions rooted in the real behaviors, values, and needs of users. Publicis Sapient’s approach to designing digital support platforms for cancer care is grounded in six key insights:

Social Support and Privacy: Employees and patients value social support, but preferences for privacy and disclosure vary. Platforms should empower users to control what information is shared and facilitate peer-to-peer connections, such as virtual mentorship communities, on their terms.
Addressing Financial Toxicity: Cancer often brings significant financial stress. Digital platforms can offer access to financial counseling, benefits navigation, and resources to mitigate this burden, while employers can integrate policies that protect against job and benefits loss.
Reducing Stigma and Fear: Many individuals fear discrimination or exclusion at work due to a cancer diagnosis. Digital education modules, manager training, and confidential support channels can help destigmatize cancer and foster a culture of openness and inclusion.
Mindset and Mental Health: Adaptive mindsets are linked to better health outcomes. Digital coaching, journaling prompts, and small group support—delivered through apps or hybrid programs—can help users reframe their experiences and build resilience.
Supporting Identity Transformation: Cancer can reshape a person’s identity and values. Platforms should offer resources for personal growth, career reskilling, and community support, enabling individuals to thrive during and after treatment.
Personalization Through Data Integration: The most effective platforms leverage data—patient-reported outcomes, engagement metrics, and contextual information—to deliver hyper-personalized support. Interoperability with electronic health records and benefits systems ensures a seamless experience across the care continuum.

Best Practices for Implementation

To maximize adoption and impact, organizations should:

Engage users early and often: Involve patients, employees, and caregivers in the design process to ensure solutions reflect their lived experiences.
Prioritize accessibility and usability: Design for diverse needs, including language, literacy, and digital proficiency, to ensure no one is left behind.
Integrate with existing systems: Connect digital support platforms with HR, benefits, and clinical systems to streamline access and reduce friction.
Measure and iterate: Use data to track engagement, outcomes, and satisfaction, and continuously refine the platform based on user feedback.
Champion a culture of support: Digital tools are most effective when paired with supportive policies, leadership commitment, and ongoing education.

Real-World Impact: The Working with Cancer Movement

The transformative potential of digital supportive care is exemplified by the global "Working with Cancer" initiative, which unites over 1,300 companies in a pledge to abolish job fear and insecurity for those impacted by cancer. By combining digital platforms with open, recovery-forward workplace cultures, organizations are not only improving health outcomes but also driving retention, productivity, and loyalty.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Support in Cancer Care

As healthcare and work continue to evolve, the next generation of digital support platforms will be defined by interoperability, personalization, and a relentless focus on human experience. By embracing a platform mindset, investing in robust data integration, and centering design on the needs of patients and employees, organizations can deliver support that is as dynamic and resilient as the people it serves.

Publicis Sapient stands at the forefront of this transformation, partnering with healthcare leaders, life sciences innovators, and employers to build digital ecosystems that empower, connect, and heal. Together, we can shape a future where every person facing cancer receives the support they need—when, where, and how they need it most.

Ready to reimagine digital support for cancer care in your organization? Connect with Publicis Sapient to learn how human-centric design and digital innovation can drive better outcomes for your people and your business.