Wearable Technology to Monitor Cancer Caregivers' Health and Well-being: A Systematic Review

Cancer caregivers often experience significant physical and emotional strain. Wearable technology enables real-time tracking of caregiver stress, physical activity, and sleep. This review examined how wearable technology has been used to monitor cancer caregivers' health and well-being, including the outcomes measured and tools used. Following PRISMA (PROSPERO CRD420251030428), we searched PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus through June 8, 2026. Peer-reviewed qualitative and quantitative studies of wearable use in cancer caregivers were eligible; records were screened in duplicate and data extracted on design, devices, outcomes, and findings. From 1,596 records, 28 studies met inclusion criteria, mostly from the United States and also Taiwan, Spain, Norway, and Australia. Studies used research-grade actigraphs, accelerometers, and consumer wrist-worn trackers (e.g., Fitbit, Garmin); one used an ambulatory blood pressure monitor. Samples ranged from about 10 to 430; monitoring lasted 24 hours to one year. Sleep was the most measured outcome, followed by physical activity and quality of life; studies also assessed heart rate, depression, anxiety, and stress at individual and dyadic levels. Adherence was generally high, though devices and measures varied widely. The review found that wearable technology is a feasible, acceptable way to monitor cancer caregivers' sleep, activity, and stress in everyday settings. Because the evidence is small and dominated by feasibility, pilot, and observational studies, it supports the promise of wearable monitoring rather than its effectiveness. Several studies captured patient–caregiver interdependence. Future research should test wearable-enabled interventions in larger, more diverse samples, with attention to long-term outcomes and equitable access.