Gamified Digital Solutions for Tinnitus Health Literacy: The Erasmus+ Project TinWise

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Digital Health
• Health Literacy

Background:

• Tinnitus affects millions in the EU, causing distress and sleep issues.
• Inconsistent management and lack of standardized care hinder effective tinnitus treatment.
• Health literacy is crucial for patient self-management and reducing the burden of chronic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a gamified health literacy platform for tinnitus patients.
• To educate healthcare professionals on digital self-help strategies for tinnitus management.
• To improve patient empowerment and tinnitus care outcomes through digital innovation.

Main Methods:

• Building on the Tin-TRAC e-learning platform, integrating gamification for enhanced engagement.
• Applying the OPHELIA framework for optimizing literacy strategies and the ASPIRE construct for co-creation.
• Developing interactive digital games, an AI chatbot, and a patient-linking service.

Main Results:

• Creation of a gamified platform to boost motivation, engagement, and knowledge retention in tinnitus patients.
• Development of reusable learning objects for training healthcare professionals in digital tinnitus care tools.
• Integration of AI and community support features to provide real-time guidance and peer support.

Conclusions:

• TinWise promotes digital education, patient empowerment, and healthcare innovation in tinnitus management.
• The project aims to standardize tinnitus care across Europe by leveraging technology.
• Improved health literacy and digital tool integration will lead to better tinnitus patient outcomes.