Usability Evaluation of a Mindfulness-based Serious Game

Background : Pain management is a critical aspect of treatment for pediatric and adolescent patients, especially those undergoing long-term or chronic disease management. Traditional pain management strategies often include pharmacological interventions, which may not be sufficient on their own and can have undesirable side effects. Consequently, there is a growing interest in complementary approaches that can enhance pain management and provide holistic care.

Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to be effective in managing chronic pain by helping individuals develop a greater awareness of their physical and emotional states, thereby reducing the perception of pain. Serious games, which incorporate elements of play and interaction, offer a novel and engaging way to deliver mindfulness training. These games can be particularly appealing to younger patients, making it easier to integrate mindfulness practices into their daily routines.

Objective : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usability of a mindfulness-based serious game developed for pediatric and adolescent patients who require pain management during their disease treatment.

Design: mixed-methods design Setting: In the emergency department at Samsung Medical Center Enrollment : 9 professionals (e.g., medical staff, child development specialists, and psychologists) and 10 pediatric and adolescent patients.

Intervention : Both professional and pediatric and adolescent patient groups experience a mindfulness-based functional game developed for pain management through a tablet.

Scoring : Usability is measured using the MARS (Mobile Application Rating Scale) and uMARS (user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale) in a group of professionals and pediatric and adolescent patients. (Full score of MARS: 145, Full score of uMARS: 130).

Study period : For 1 hour after study enrollment, Usability survey : After experiencing a mindfulness-based functional game

• Users(Pediatric Patients)

• Inclusion Criteria:

• Pediatric patients aged 5-17 years.
• Currently taking adjuvant analgesics or narcotic/non-narcotic analgesics for pain control.
• Able to provide voluntary assent and have parental/guardian consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder characterized by psychotic features.
• Have visual or auditory impairments that would make it difficult to understand and play the game.
• Professionals

• Inclusion Criteria:

• Medical staff specializing in pediatric care or individuals with a doctoral degree in child development or psychology
• Able to provide voluntary informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:

• Have visual or auditory impairments that would make it difficult to understand and play the game.