One of the most exciting areas of our business lies in the intersection between game-based learning and healthcare! In our previous blog post on this topic, we explored the ability of games to prepare patients for pending medical procedures, motivate dementia patients in rehabilitation, and act as digital medicine.
However, several years have passed since we wrote that post, and we’re overdue on updating you on our latest healthcare-related projects. Let’s take a closer look at three more innovative applications of game-based learning in healthcare that we’re proud to be a part of!
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What if a video game could calm patients receiving an MRI?
FIRMM-pix is a game we designed in collaboration with Turing Medical to assist patients in staying calm and still during MRI scans, enabling technicians to capture high-quality images. This game is comprised of two distinct adventures that take patients on exciting journeys, one through an enchanted forest and another in a luminescent cave. By gamifying the real-time MRI motion data, FIRMM-pix rewards the patient with new characters and captivating scenery the longer they remain still; the game environment ensures that patients are engaged in the game.
FIRMM-pix is a first-of-its-kind tool for enhancing patient comfort and image quality during MRI procedures. By leveraging the immersive power of games, patients are met with a calming experience that can help alleviate anxiety, as well as improve the results of their procedure.
What if virtual reality could help patients improve cognitive function, memory, and endurance?
via realsystem.com
Penumbra’s Mindful Market is a virtual reality experience designed to help patients regain cognitive function, working memory, and resilience to stimulation through activities of daily living (ADLs) with the assistance of a therapist. In this game, patients enter a courtyard where they can engage in three different activities – “Sandwich Shop,” “Harvest Helper,” and “Stamp Stand.”
In the “Sandwich Shop,” players prepare and serve sandwiches to customers, while the “Harvest Helper” activity requires them to help a farmer sort her delivery of animal feed. In “Stamp Stand,” players practice mental math while selling stamps to fit each customer’s budget.
The therapeutic and wellness activities in Mindful Market are designed to help patients engage their executive functions, working memory, sequencing, and sorting abilities, and resilience to stimulation. All activities take place in environments with adjustable settings customized to patient needs. Additionally, after each session, movement data is saved to help track progression throughout therapy.
Virtual reality can be an effective tool to support cognitive rehabilitation activities, particularly in areas like short-term memory, procedural memory, attention, psychomotor skills, higher-level cognition, calculations, and sequencing. The “Sandwich Shop,” “Harvest Helper,” and “Stamp Stand” activities in Mindful Market specifically target these skills and provide patients with a fun way to work on recovering and improving upon their abilities! Filament Games assisted Penumbra in updating the existing game’s backend, making it even more effective in promoting cognitive and executive functioning.
What if a video game could provide mental health support for cancer patients?
Serein is a unique psychotherapy game that aims to help cancer patients find meaning in their life. This game, which we created in collaboration with Blue Note Therapeutics, takes players on a journey through the “Land of Meaning,” where they assume the role of a bird that aids their companions in reopening the “Gate of Meaning.” As they progress through the game, users engage with the game’s landscape and relate its features to sources of meaning in their own lives. They also share their personal stories and tackle challenges that help them identify their courage, limitations, identity, and more.
Throughout the game, users have access to Guide Bird, an AI conversation bot that offers customized responses based on each exercise. The Guide Bird provides support, advice, and a fresh perspective on their situation and experiences. By playing Serein, cancer patients can explore their own values and experiences, connect with others, and find purpose in their lives.
As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the potential for game-based learning to improve patient outcomes and quality of care is becoming increasingly clear. Whether it’s through virtual surgery simulations, digital medicine, or game-based incentives for rehabilitation, games have the power to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and healthcare professionals alike!
At Filament Games, we are excited to continue exploring the potential of game-based learning in healthcare and collaborating with forward-thinking organizations to bring their innovative ideas to life. Contact us today if you’re interested in pursuing a game-based learning medtech solution!
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