A Story-Based Digital Game to Reduce Anxiety and Improve Treatment Adherence in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial.
Afra Calik Kus, Sıddıka Ersoy
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In 30 seconds
This cluster-randomized controlled trial evaluated a single-session, story-based digital game in 40 patients receiving chronic hemodialysis. Twenty patients played the game during dialysis, while 20 received standard care. At 2 weeks and 1 month, the intervention group had significantly better treatment adherence (p < 0.001) and dietary knowledge (p = 0.002), and lower anxiety (p < 0.001) than controls. Participants reported high engagement and minimal negative effects; no adverse events occurred. The abstract does not provide effect sizes, so the magnitude of these differences cannot be assessed.
Key findings
- Treatment adherence improved versus standard care at both follow-ups (p < 0.001).
- Dietary knowledge was higher in the intervention group at both follow-ups (p = 0.002).
- Anxiety was lower in the intervention group at both follow-ups (p < 0.001).
- Participants reported high engagement and minimal negative effects; no adverse events occurred.
Why it matters
Anxiety, adherence, and dietary knowledge are relevant to the experience and management of hemodialysis. The findings suggest that a brief, engaging activity delivered during dialysis may support these behavioral and psychological outcomes. Because the abstract reports statistical significance but not the size of the differences, the clinical importance of the observed changes remains unclear.
What to keep in mind
The trial included 40 patients, and follow-up was limited to 1 month. The abstract does not report effect sizes, limiting assessment of the magnitude of benefit.