Digital support for caregivers of patients with non-communicable diseases during COVID-19: Lessons from a cancer case study in Vietnam

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause more than 71% of global deaths, of which 77% were reported from low and middle-income countries (LMICs) [1]. In LMICs, such as Vietnam, this population is largely dependent on informal caregivers (usually family caregivers) who provide essential care without information or sufficient support [2] and do so whilst managing complex needs. As the number of COVID-19 cases rapidly increases in Vietnam and with social restrictions, many caregivers are forced to provide complex care and support at home with limited health literacy and little contact with the health service. COVID-19 has highlighted the urgent requirement for digitalized health care, however, this movement is in its infancy in Vietnam and is hindered by a series of challenges [3]. As Vietnam moves rapidly to provide care and support for caregivers affected by NCDs during COVID-19, our international team wishes to offer our key reflections and experience of understanding the needs of the families affected by cancer and developing feasible digital solutions � 2021. The Author(S)