โก Quick Summary
A recent literature review highlights the effectiveness of digital game-based interventions in managing pain for cancer patients. These interventions not only reduce pain and anxiety but also enhance overall quality of life during treatment.
๐ Key Details
- ๐ Study Scope: Reviewed studies from 2000 to April 2023.
- ๐งฉ Focus: Impact of health games on pain management in cancer patients.
- ๐ Relevant Articles: 10 studies selected from an initial pool of 2,544.
- โ๏ธ Technologies Used: Mobile and computer games, particularly virtual reality.
๐ Key Takeaways
- ๐ฎ Digital games can significantly reduce pain and anxiety in cancer patients.
- ๐ก Virtual reality technologies are particularly effective in enhancing treatment outcomes.
- ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Patient empowerment is fostered through improved communication and self-management.
- ๐ Real-time feedback from games promotes adherence to treatment protocols.
- ๐โโ๏ธ Encouragement of physical activity is integrated into game design.
- ๐ ๏ธ Distraction tools during painful procedures can improve patient experiences.
- ๐ New research opportunities in pain management are emerging from these findings.
๐ Background
Pain is a prevalent and distressing symptom for cancer patients, often leading to a decline in their biopsychosocial well-being and overall quality of life. Traditional pain management strategies may not always be effective, prompting researchers to explore innovative solutions such as digital game interventions. These interventions aim to provide a more engaging and interactive approach to pain management.
๐๏ธ Study
The literature review conducted by Savareh et al. aimed to consolidate existing knowledge on the role of digital games in pain management for cancer patients. The researchers meticulously reviewed studies published over two decades, focusing on the effectiveness of mobile and computer games in various cancer types, including both pediatric and adult cases.
๐ Results
The review identified that digital games, especially those incorporating virtual reality, have shown promising results in diminishing pain and anxiety levels. The findings suggest that these interventions can lead to improved treatment outcomes and enhance the overall quality of life for cancer patients.
๐ Impact and Implications
The implications of this study are profound. By integrating digital game-based interventions into cancer care, healthcare providers can offer a more holistic approach to pain management. These technologies not only serve as distraction tools during painful procedures but also empower patients through enhanced communication and self-management strategies. This shift towards patient-centered care could significantly improve treatment experiences and outcomes.
๐ฎ Conclusion
The findings from this literature review underscore the transformative potential of digital game interventions in cancer pain management. As these technologies continue to evolve, they promise to enhance patient engagement, adherence to treatment, and overall well-being. Continued research in this area is essential to fully realize the benefits of integrating gaming technologies into healthcare.
๐ฌ Your comments
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Pain Management in Cancer Patients: The Effectiveness of Digital Game-based Interventions: A Rapid Literature Review.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Pain is a common side effect of cancer that negatively impacts biopsychosocial well-being and quality of life. There has been increasing interest in using digital game interventions for managing pain in cancer patients. The present study aimed to consolidate and summarize knowledge regarding the role of games in reducing pain among cancer patients and enhancing their overall quality of life.
METHODS: We reviewed studies published between 2000 and April 8, 2023, from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The focus was on determining the impact of health games on pain management in cancer patients.
RESULTS: An initial search identified 2,544 studies, which were narrowed down to 10 relevant articles after removing duplicates and assessing quality. These studies examined the use of mobile and computer games across various types of cancer, including both pediatric and adult cases. The findings indicate that digital games, particularly those utilizing virtual reality technologies, can diminish pain and anxiety while enhancing treatment outcomes. Overall, the application of these technologies has the potential to improve cancer treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: Digital game interventions empower cancer patients by fostering effective communication and patient-centered approaches, which enhance perceptions, outcomes, and overall well-being. These games provide real-time feedback and facilitate interaction with healthcare professionals, which promotes self-management and boosts patient motivation and adherence to treatment protocols. As personalized educational platforms, they increase engagement through educational resources and symptom tracking, while also encouraging physical activity. Furthermore, they act as distraction tools during painful procedures, presenting new research opportunities in pain management and enhancing overall quality of life.
Author: [‘Savareh BA’, ‘Karandish Z’, ‘Farhoudi F’, ‘Bashiri A’]
Journal: Healthc Inform Res
Citation: Savareh BA, et al. Pain Management in Cancer Patients: The Effectiveness of Digital Game-based Interventions: A Rapid Literature Review. Pain Management in Cancer Patients: The Effectiveness of Digital Game-based Interventions: A Rapid Literature Review. 2024; 30:297-311. doi: 10.4258/hir.2024.30.4.297