The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Improvement in cancer-related knowledge following use of a psychoeducational video game for adolescents and young adults with cancer.
Adolescents with chronic illnesses have been shown to have management and treatment issues resulting in poor outcomes. These issues may arise from non-interest in self care and illness knowledge. A video game, "Re-Mission," was developed to actively involve young people with cancer in their own treatment. Re-Mission provides opportunities to learn about cancer and its treatment. ⋯ The results indicate a specific effect of Re-Mission play on cancer knowledge that is not attributable to patients' expectations. It is concluded that video games can be an effective vehicle for health education in adolescents and young adults with chronic illnesses.