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A Story-Based Digital Game to Reduce Anxiety and Improve Treatment Adherence in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis: A
Afra Calik Kus1,2, Sıddıka Ersoy1
1Department of Nursing, University of Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey.
Introduction:
Patients receiving hemodialysis frequently experience anxiety and treatment non-adherence, which negatively impact clinical outcomes. Digital health interventions offer innovative opportunities to address these challenges during dialysis sessions.
Methods:
This cluster-randomized controlled trial included 40 patients receiving chronic hemodialysis (intervention n = 20, control n = 20). The intervention group played a story-based digital game once during hemodialysis; controls received standard care. Outcomes were assessed using validated scales for anxiety, adherence, and dietary knowledge at baseline, 2 weeks, and 1 month.
Results:
The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in treatment adherence (p < 0.001), dietary knowledge (p = 0.002), and anxiety reduction (p < 0.001) compared with controls at both follow-ups. Participants reported high game engagement with minimal negative effects. No adverse events occurred.
Conclusions:
A single-session story-based digital game enhanced adherence, knowledge, and reduced anxiety in hemodialysis patients, demonstrating that brief, engaging digital tools can support dialysis care and promote behavioral change.
