Usability Evaluation of a Mindfulness-based Serious Game

Background : Pain management is a critical aspect of treatment for pediatric and adolescent patients, especially those undergoing long-term or chronic disease management. Traditional pain management strategies often include pharmacological interventions, which may not be sufficient on their own and can have undesirable side effects. Consequently, there is a growing interest in complementary approaches that can enhance pain management and provide holistic care. Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to be effective in managing chronic pain by helping individuals develop a greater awareness of their physical and emotional states, thereby reducing the perception of pain. Serious games, which incorporate elements of play and interaction, offer a novel and engaging way to deliver mindfulness training. These games can be particularly appealing to younger patients, making it easier to integrate mindfulness practices into their daily routines. Objective : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usability of a mindfulness-based serious game developed for pediatric and adolescent patients who require pain management during their disease treatment. Design: mixed-methods design Setting: In the emergency department at Samsung Medical Center Enrollment : 9 professionals (e.g., medical staff, child development specialists, and psychologists) and 10 pediatric and adolescent patients. Intervention : Both professional and pediatric and adolescent patient groups experience a mindfulness-based functional game developed for pain management through a tablet. Scoring : Usability is measured using the MARS (Mobile Application Rating Scale) and uMARS (user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale) in a group of professionals and pediatric and adolescent patients. (Full score of MARS: 145, Full score of uMARS: 130). Study period : For 1 hour after study enrollment, Usability survey : After experiencing a mindfulness-based functional game