Learn about the project that helps pediatric ostomy patients accept their medical condition more easily
Gamification is an approach that can also be applied in the medical field. In this context, one example is Stomycraft, a project presented at Maker Faire Rome 2023 that addresses the difficulties of ostomy patients using the game Minecraft.
The synergistic integration between the universe of video games and the medical field has generated new possibilities in the management of pathological conditions or hospitalization, in treatments on pediatric patients as well as in the experience of the doctor-patient relationship. Gamification emerges as an innovative and on some occasions clinically effective approach in healthcare.
This is the context that is generating interesting projects like StomyCraft, which represents the leading role game technology can have in promoting patient wellbeing and education, especially pediatric patients.
What is gamification?
The term gamification refers to the application of video game technologies and design principles to contexts that are not strictly game-oriented. In other words, it involves the integration of typical video game elements, such as game design and game dynamics, into unrelated situations. The concept can be interpreted as an engagement strategy that aims to make an activity more appealing and engaging, often in contexts in which it can be helpful to lighten the mood or make a challenging task more engaging. The official origin of gamification is generally attributed to a talk given in 2010 at the DICE Summit, a prestigious annual event in the United States dedicated to the world of video games. On this occasion, video game designer Jesse Schell highlighted the growing importance of video games in everyday life, spanning different sectors. Since then, gamification has gained ground as an innovative approach in various contexts, transforming the approach to many activities and contributing to the involvement of many people in different contexts beyond pure entertainment.
A few examples of gamification in medicine
Gamification has found uses in a variety of areas, demonstrating its effectiveness in making otherwise challenging or otherwise uncomfortable activities, such as a medical examination for a child, more engaging and inclusive. The use of video games in therapeutic settings is tangible evidence of how these technologies can have a positive impact on mental health, interpersonal relationships and learning.
One of the most significant creations to come out of the convergence between video games and medicine is EndeavorRx, a video game approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of attention-deficit syndrome, which we spoke about in this interview with Fabio Viola, an internationally renowned game designer who was a guest at the Opening Conference of Maker Faire Rome 2023, the innovation fair held recently.
This has paved the way for the concept of “digital medicine,” which involves video games and other technologies in the management and treatment of various diseases. In Europe, applications are being explored in pre-screening stages of neurodegenerative diseases and in physical or neuronal rehabilitation. In Italy, however, an emblematic example of a project adopting gamification in the medical context is “Super Poteri” by Brave Potions, a project in which Fabio Viola also collaborated. The game involves the use of a kit that is purchased by hospitals, doctors’ offices and dentists, composed of a digital and an analog component. The goal is to mitigate anxiety and fear in children during medical experiences, such as undergoing a computed tomography scan or receiving dental care. But how does it work? Using an app, children can select their heroic alter ego and immerse themselves in a digital play experience, thus transforming the experience of medical procedures into a playful and less scary experience.
Stomycraft: a game to help ostomy children and their families
StomyCraft, an initiative from F.A.I.S. OdV (Federazione Associazioni Incontinenti e Stomizzati), is another exemplary Italian gamification project in the medical field, employing the famous game Minecraft as an educational and informational tool aimed at pediatric patients and their families. This project, characterized by the phygital approach, combines the virtual aspect of the video game with physical elements such as, for example, some LEGOcomponents capable of transforming a miniature figure into a character with an ostomy bag and a bag cover that can be customized with the image one prefers. The centerpiece of StomyCraft is the simulation of stool bag management, a critical function for children with these conditions. At the same time, the project provides instruction on the most appropriate feeding in this clinical setting. The immersive effectiveness of StomyCraft stands out for the valuable support it offers in mitigating stress and anxiety, as well as promoting healthy behaviors in the patients involved. Its ultimate goal is to improve acceptance of the condition by children and their caregivers, thus increasing their quality of life. FAIS OdV, is a Non-Profit Voluntary Organization that was founded in 2002 in Rimini, Italy, and over the years has received important recognition from both the European Ostomy Association (EOA) and the International Ostomy Association (IOA), establishing itself as a full member of these international organizations. This recognition is a testament to the well-established tradition and credibility that the Italian Ostomy Associations have built up over the years, even within international panoramas.
In summary, these examples provide a symbolic representation of the use of gamification for the wellbeing and health of human beings. The growing relationship that combines the real and virtual worlds promises new perspectives in care and inclusion and further affirms the crucial role that gamification can play in today’s medical field.
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