Article

Using Serious Games to Increase Prevention and Self-Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Older Adults With Cancer

Victoria Wochna Loerzel

John M. Clochesy

Patricia I. Geddie

serious game, self-management, older adults, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
ONF 2020, 47(5), 567-576. DOI: 10.1188/20.ONF.567-576

Objectives: To examine the frequency and types of preventive and self-management behaviors reported by participants, as well as report acceptability and usability data for the electronic Symptom Self-Management Training–Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) serious game.

Sample & Setting: 80 adults who were aged 60 years or older and newly diagnosed with cancer were recruited from a community cancer center.

Methods & Variables: Participants were randomized to an intervention or control group. A symptom management checklist was used to record preventive and self-management behaviors used after each chemotherapy treatment at home. Acceptability and usability were assessed using a brief survey.

Results: The intervention group reported using more preventive behaviors, and the control group reported using more self-management behaviors. Antiemetics were the most common strategy used, followed by dietary strategies. Participants rated all aspects of the serious game highly for usability and acceptability.

Implications for Nursing: Oncology providers can help older adults plan for self-managing treatment-related side effects at home. Recording self-management behaviors may reinforce the importance of active prevention and management of CINV.

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