Exploring gamified health interventions in oral oncology: Improving self-management and treatment adherence

I am writing to express my view regarding " Exploring Gamified Health Interventions in Oral Oncology" Research indicates that gamification can effectively enhance beneficial health outcomes, including increased physical activity, healthier eating habits, smoking cessation, and improved mental well-being. These interventions have the capacity to influence behaviours that contribute to the overall state of health and well-being.1Damaševičius R. Maskeliūnas R. Blažauskas T. Serious games and gamification in healthcare: a meta-review.Information. 2023; 14 (MDPI)https://doi.org/10.3390/info14020105Crossref Scopus (24) Google Scholar Gamification has shown efficacy in enhancing drug adherence, facilitating self-management of chronic illnesses, and improving rehabilitation outcomes. These interventions have the potential to enable patients to have an active part in overseeing their health and treatment regimens.1Damaševičius R. Maskeliūnas R. Blažauskas T. Serious games and gamification in healthcare: a meta-review.Information. 2023; 14 (MDPI)https://doi.org/10.3390/info14020105Crossref Scopus (24) Google Scholar The review proposes that the implementation of gamification has the potential to be efficacious in both the prevention and treatment of cancer, thereby highlighting its wide-ranging impact on several aspects of oncological care. The implementation of gamification has shown to promote the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, as well as overall symptom control, resulting in an improved quality of life for patients undergoing cancer treatment.2Poliani A. Gnecchi S. Villa G. Rosa D. Manara D.F. Gamification as an educational approach for oncological patients: a systematic scoping review.in: Healthcare (Switzerland). 11. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2023https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11243116Crossref Google Scholar Gamification in oncology education appears to be linked to decreased anxiety levels in several categories of cancer patients, underscoring its potential influence on psychological well-being. The utilisation of gamification has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing self-care practices among individuals diagnosed with cancer, regardless of their gender, age, or ethnicity. This suggests that gamification has the capacity to empower patients in taking charge of their own healthcare.2Poliani A. Gnecchi S. Villa G. Rosa D. Manara D.F. Gamification as an educational approach for oncological patients: a systematic scoping review.in: Healthcare (Switzerland). 11. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2023https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11243116Crossref Google Scholar The study discovered that the majority of oral hygiene apps used a significant amount of gamification features and behaviour change approaches in order to encourage and sustain children's engagement in performing and upholding oral hygiene practices. Furthermore, numerous applications included educational information that was supported by evidence-based dentistry and received commendable evaluations in terms of app quality. The methodical exploration of app stores for oral hygiene applications with gamification elements revealed several apps that exhibited promise in stimulating children's interest in acquiring and sustaining effective oral hygiene practices.3Fijačko N. Gosak L. Cilar L. et al.The effects of gamification and oral self-care on oral hygiene in children: systematic search in app stores and evaluation of apps.JMIR MHealth and UHealth. 2020; 8https://doi.org/10.2196/1636Crossref Google Scholar The study additionally discovered that most of the examined oral hygiene applications incorporated behaviour modification approaches to encourage and sustain oral hygiene practices in youngsters. In general, the apps included educational material that aligns with evidence-based dentistry and provides a strong foundation for oral self-care in children.3Fijačko N. Gosak L. Cilar L. et al.The effects of gamification and oral self-care on oral hygiene in children: systematic search in app stores and evaluation of apps.JMIR MHealth and UHealth. 2020; 8https://doi.org/10.2196/1636Crossref Google Scholar To summarise, gamification is a potential and adaptable method for improving several aspects of cancer care and oral health education. The efficacy of this approach in encouraging healthier behaviours, enhancing adherence to therapy, and empowering patients is seen in various healthcare fields. Gamification promotes active participation, enhances memory retention, and cultivates self-management abilities across several areas such as cancer treatment and dental health education. Adopting gamified therapy has great potential to significantly improve patient outcomes, psychological well-being, and educational achievements in healthcare. The author received no specific funding for this work.