Publication Date
10-1-2020
Journal
Applied Clinical Informatics Journal
DOI
10.1055/s-0040-1721399
PMID
33378780
PMCID
PMC7773503
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
12-30-2020
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Published Open-Access
yes
Keywords
Aged, Exercise, Female, Heart Failure, Humans, Male, User-Centered Design, User-Computer Interface, Video Games, heart failure, digital game, connected sensors, older adults, self-management
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Poor self-management of heart failure (HF) has contributed to poor health outcomes. Sensor-controlled digital games (SCDGs) integrates data from behavior-tracking sensors to trigger progress, rewards, content, and positive feedback in a digital game to motivate real-time behaviors.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the usability of an SCDG prototype over a week of game-playing among 10 older adults with HF in their homes.
METHODS: During initial play, participants' SCDG experiences were observed in their homes using a checklist based on the seven-item Serious Game User Evaluator (SeGUE) instrument. After a week of game-playing, participants completed a survey guided by the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, to provide their perceptions of the SCDG's usability. Qualitative analysis via semistructured interview-derived themes on experiences playing the SCDG, perceptions regarding engaging with the SCDG, and any usability issues encountered.
RESULTS: Ten HF participants (50% women and 50% White) played the SCDG for an average of 6 out of 7 days. Nine found the SCDG to be interesting, satisfying, and easy to play. The average step count over a week was 4,117 steps (range: 967-9,892). Average adherence with weight monitoring was 5.9 days in a week. Qualitative analysis yielded outcomes regarding attitudes toward SCDG, and barriers and facilitators that influenced participants' engagement with the SCDG.
CONCLUSION: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this usability and feasibility study is the first to report an SCDG designed to improve HF self-management behaviors of older adults in their homes. Future research should consider several issues, such as user profiles, prior game-playing experiences, and network conditions most suitable for connected health interventions for older adults living in the community.