Innovative Game Helps Older Cancer Patients Recover at Home

In a world where cancer diagnoses are on the rise, especially among older adults, the importance of proper at-home care cannot be overstated. The American Cancer Society’s prediction of over two million new cancer diagnoses this year is a stark reminder of the challenges that many individuals will face in their journey towards recovery.

For older men and women, the road to recovery can be particularly tough. Treatment can be physically and emotionally draining, and once discharged from the hospital, the risk of complications and readmission looms large. It’s a daunting task to navigate through the paperwork, information, and medications that come with managing cancer care at home.

Enter Professor Victoria Loerzel from UCF College of Nursing, who has come up with an innovative solution to help older cancer patients better manage their care at home – a silver-haired avatar game. This game allows patients to follow the avatar home after being discharged, making choices that mirror the decisions they will need to make for themselves in real life.

By gamifying the at-home care process, Professor Loerzel hopes to empower patients to take control of their recovery journey. The choices made in the game directly impact the patient’s well-being, encouraging them to make healthier decisions for themselves. This approach not only helps patients better understand and remember their care instructions but also potentially saves them from serious complications that could lead to readmission.

Older cancer patients, in particular, are at a higher risk for severe side effects, making proper at-home care crucial for their well-being. By playing the avatar game, patients can learn how to manage symptoms like pain, nausea, and vomiting, ultimately reducing the risk of dehydration and toxicity.

The impact of this game goes beyond just individual patients. By helping older adults better manage their care at home, Professor Loerzel’s research aims to save time, money, and resources for both patients and the healthcare system. With a $2.5 million-dollar grant from the National Institutes of Health, a larger study is underway to follow 500 patients for six months post-treatment, further exploring the benefits of this innovative approach.

In a time where cancer diagnoses are becoming increasingly common, innovative solutions like the silver-haired avatar game offer hope for better outcomes and improved quality of life for older cancer patients. By combining technology with personalized care, Professor Loerzel is paving the way for a brighter future in cancer care.