Can a Simulation Game Change Cystic Fibrosis Patients' Attitudes Toward Treatment Adherence?

Abstract

The authors hypothesized that playing a simulation game designed according to Multiple Identification Theory (MIT) would improve attitudes toward treatment adherence among adolescent cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Study participants (n=16) were recruited from a large Midwestern children's hospital. As part of a within-group pilot study, they played "My Life with CF," an MIT simulation game. Their attitudes toward treatment adherence and general decision-making were assessed prior to playing the game. They were measured again immediately post-play and 1 month afterward. Statistically significant differences (P<0.05) were found immediately post-treatment on questionnaires concerning participants' holding present versus future-centered orientations and their attitudes toward adherence. One month post-treatment, significant differences were found regarding participants' attitudes toward adherence and whether luck or effort determines what happens to them in life. Effect sizes for all these differences ranged from large (r(2)=0.31) to very large (r(2)=0.94). The MIT-based "My Life with CF" game was effective at changing adolescent CF patients' attitudes toward adherence.