Impact of Game-Based Interventions on Health-Related Outcomes in Hospitalized Older Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of game-based interventions compared with usual care on health-related outcomes for acutely hospitalized older patients.

Design: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCT) and nonrandomized trials.

Setting and participants: Adults aged 65 years or older admitted to an Acute Care for Elderly unit were selected.

Measures: Health-related outcomes (eg, functional capacity, quality of life, adherence to treatment).

Results: Four RCTs were included in the review. The interventions were based on the implementation of serious-game programs using Nintendo Wii in acute medical patients. Across the included studies, no significant differences were observed between groups on functional capacity and health-related quality of life. Significant differences were found between groups on the adherence to treatment (in favor of the control group), but no differences were obtained in other outcomes such as enjoyment and motivation.

Conclusions and implications: In general, there is very limited evidence for the efficacy to reach conclusions about the effects of game-based interventions on health-related outcomes in acutely hospitalized older patients. Future studies are needed to improve our knowledge in the field; however, we consider that these strategies should be considered in the future complementary to usual care.

Keywords: Serious games; aged; functional capacity; gamification; geriatric; hospitalization.