A Qualitative Study of Patient Perspectives on Adaptive Gaming in Rehabilitation

Research Objectives: To understand Complex Continuing Care (CCC) patients’ perspectives on adaptive gaming at a rehabilitation hospital in Toronto, Canada. Specifically, we explored: the meaning of adapting gaming to participants; the perceived impact of adaptive gaming; and the role of the environment on patient experiences in the adaptive gaming program.

Design: A qualitative descriptive study situated within an interpretive research paradigm was conducted. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with adults who participated in the adaptive gaming program within CCC. A thematic analysis was conducted.

Setting: Complex continuing care unit in a rehabilitation hospital.

Participants: Individuals in CCC who were 18 years or older and have participated in the adaptive gaming program at least once were recruited. Nine participants were included for this study.

Interventions: Not applicable

Main Outcome Measures: Not applicable

Results: Four themes were constructed: brain and body; the impact of adaptive gaming; the role of the environment; the value of leisure activities; and systems accessibility. The findings of this study indicate that participants generally identified positive impacts of the adaptive gaming program to their cognitive and physical health. Participants also identified that there are different motivators for their participation, highlighting the impact of the physical, institutional, and social environmental factors on their engagement.

Conclusions: This study provides an understanding of the participants’ perspectives on the adaptive gaming program. The study will inform improvements to the program and provide information for other hospitals considering the implementation of a similar program.

Author(s) Disclosures: The authors have no disclosures.