Gamification in Diabetes Improves Glycemic Control Among Patients
Gamification increases patient engagement and lowers HbA1c levels
Diabetes is a growing issue within the United States, with 1.2 million Americans being diagnosed each year. Because type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions, we’re witnessing providers pushing for healthier lifestyles and pharmaceutical companies developing GLP-1 drugs as ways to mitigate its prevalence.
Yet, one unique strategy that is gaining attention, is gamified diabetes management.
Just listing the negative effects of diabetes isn’t always enough to reverse longtime patient health habits. Occasionally, patients need an incentive, like gamification, to motivate them to change, as demonstrated in the study we’ll discuss below.
Therefore, without further adieu, let’s explore what gamification is, its benefits, how gamification can affect glycemic control in individuals with diabetes, and more.
First, what is gamification?
Gamification is the application of gaming concepts to non-gaming environments. Many of the structural elements and mechanics found in video games can be employed in different settings to motivate participants and reward their progress. For instance, points and rewards may be used to encourage certain behaviors.
Other gaming elements that might be used are:
Badges
Challenges
Levels
Customization
Unlockable content
Avatars
Gift cards
Feedback
Leader boards
Is gamification a type of telehealth?
Gamified information systems shouldn’t be viewed as a form of telehealth. Instead, healthcare gamification should be seen as a tool that can be implemented into telehealth applications. For instance, remote patient monitoring, which might involve a patient using a wearable device, is an instrument where gamification can be incorporated.
An example might be a patient wearing a physical activity monitor that automatically records and sends their activity level. A gamification element could be sending the patient a badge if they stand up at least once per hour, twelve times daily.
Why use healthcare gamification?
Gamification in healthcare is primarily used to improve patient outcomes. It combines the appeal of video games with therapeutic practices to address two of the biggest challenges providers face with patients: engagement and motivation.
Research shows that when patients are active participants in their personal healthcare, it decreases costs, leads to more efficient resource usage, and establishes patient-provider satisfaction. Most of all, it increases treatment plan adherence.
One article found that healthcare gamification can “leverage human psychological needs, such as to socialize, learn, compete, achieve, and seek closure”.” A systematic review also explained that “well-designed games are enjoyable and engaging because playing them provides basic need satisfaction.” In short, gaming elements help people feel valued and incentivized, usually resulting in faster learning.
It’s been recognized that data may not be enough of a motivator to facilitate change in patients. Sometimes, people need a challenge, and gamification provides that.
Practitioners utilize gamification, too
This technique isn’t just applicable to patients; it’s also beneficial to healthcare providers. Gamification can help practitioners make informed decisions, collaborate, and communicate with their patients. We’re also seeing it implemented into healthcare professional training, such as simulating medical procedures.
Does gamification work for diabetes management?
A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessed the effect of gamification on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. There were 704 male patients included in the study, with the mean ages of participants ranging between 46% to 94% and 60 to 63 years, respectively.
Gamification types and outcomes
Three different types of gamification were used, which included:
Smartphone application: A Fitbit Charge, the Fitbit application, and WhatsApp
Online game: A spaced application game used on an automated system
Home video game console: A Wii console, a balance board, and Wii Fit Plus
With the Fitbit Charge, ten participants were added to a virtual fitness group, and each was assigned a virtual partner. Participants could observe a ranked leaderboard that tracked their steps. At the conclusion of the study, the mean HbA1c in the intervention group reduced
from 7.4% to 7.2%, and the control group decreased from 7.1% to 7.0%.
For the spaced application game, participants were sent questions about diabetes management via email or mobile application each week. They earned points based on how they performed on those questions. Each person was assigned to a team based on their geographic region, and individual and team scores were added to leaderboards. Those in the intervention group saw much greater mean HbA1c deductions than individuals in the control group.
Finally, the Wii console gamification tool involved patients using a balance board and exercise game for 30 minutes daily for twelve weeks. Decreased HbA1c levels were only substantial for the intervention group.
Gamification study observations
While researchers could not determine whether one form of gamification worked better than others, they were able to solidify that gamification, in general, had a positive effect on glycemic control based on the HbA1c levels observed in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers observed that applications that focused more on education were less attractive to patients. They also noted that virtual social interaction with team-based dynamics was effective for changing behavior.
Improve diabetes management with digital health
If you want to streamline diabetes care, reach more patients and scale your organization, you need digital health solutions. With access to continuous data via CGM and RPM devices, providers can swiftly address patient concerns, adjust their medications and monitor their treatment plans, allowing for timely and quality care.
At OpenLoop, we have the complete infrastructure required to help propel organizations forward. Our digital health solutions make expanding your reach seamless, thanks to our 50-state PC network, intuitive tech stack and legal support. Plus, we’re a top-tier, cost-effective option, so you can grow without breaking the bank or taking on additional operational burdens.
Are you interested in learning more? Contact us today!
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