Adapting Gamification Strategies According to Targeted Health Behavior Change: Findings from a Focus Group.
Stud Health Technol Inform
; 316: 1125-1129, 2024 Aug 22.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39176579
ABSTRACT
In healthcare, improving lifestyle behaviors like medication adherence remains challenging, with an impact on treatment success and patient outcomes. Mobile health (mHealth) applications offer promising solutions by leveraging smartphone ubiquity and digital accessibility. However, sustaining user engagement and behavior change presents obstacles. This study explores the specificities of gamification-integrating game-like elements into non-game contexts-to improve mHealth applications for 3 health behaviors. During a focus group, 15 participants discussed the potential of 17 gamification strategies to improve medication adherence, physical activity, and diet within mHealth applications. Individual choices varied widely, with preferences influenced by targeted behaviors. Physical activity focused on self-monitoring and challenges, while dieting emphasized cooperation. Simulation models were particularly intriguing, projecting long-term benefits of behavior changes. Future research should explore personalized design options and consider individual characteristics. Iterative design cycles with end-users are crucial for refining concepts and sustaining user engagement. Overall, gamification presents an innovative avenue for empowering patients and transforming healthcare delivery.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Health Behavior
/
Telemedicine
/
Focus Groups
/
Video Games
/
Mobile Applications
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
En
Journal:
Stud Health Technol Inform
Journal subject:
INFORMATICA MEDICA
/
PESQUISA EM SERVICOS DE SAUDE
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Switzerland