Gamifying Self-Management of Chronic Illnesses: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Behavioral Science
• Game Design

Background:

• Chronic illness self-management remains a significant challenge in healthcare.
• Gamification, a concept from computer science, is increasingly explored to enhance patient engagement.
• The Wheel of Sukr framework was developed to improve self-management experiences for individuals with chronic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the gamification framework, The Wheel of Sukr.
• To validate the framework's effectiveness and acceptance among diabetic patients, healthcare professionals, and game experts.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed for framework validation.
• Expert interviews (N=8) assessed the framework's themes.
• Questionnaires administered to diabetic participants (N=42) measured attitudes toward the framework's themes.

Main Results:

• The Wheel of Sukr framework was positively validated.
• 71% of participants perceived the eight themes (fun, esteem, socializing, self-management, self-representation, motivation, growth, sustainability) favorably (P < .001).
• Gamification shows potential for improving chronic illness self-management, including diabetes.

Conclusions:

• Both expert interviews and participant questionnaires validated The Wheel of Sukr framework.
• The study indicates a general acceptance of gamification for diabetes self-management.
• The findings support gamification as a viable strategy to enhance patient engagement in managing chronic conditions.