Abstract
The use of avatars in the psychological treatment of some chronic diseases is in their infancy, and it represents a growing field of research with many possibilities for innovation. However, there is a lack of studies seeking to determine if avatar-based therapies could improve mental health in chronic care settings. In fact, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review addressing this research topic. The objectives of this study were to review the scientific literature on those studies involving avatar-based therapies for chronic patients, as well as different ways to develop them and their efficacy on mental health outcomes. Two main questions were addressed: (1) Are avatar-based strategies useful to improve mental health in chronic patients? (2) Which is the best way to develop avatar-based strategies regarding chronic diseases? A systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature was conducted in March 2021. The results were, not only useful for establishing suitable ways to develop avatar-based strategies to improve mental health in chronic care, but also for providing an ad hoc taxonomy regarding this research topic. Five modalities were established according to technological complexity and avatar presentation. Most of the studies were effective (61.1%) in enhancing mental health in chronic care.
Highlights
Addressing chronic illnesses is one of the greatest international challenges for public health in the 21st century in terms of both the continuous suffering experienced by the patient, and the large-scale socio-economic consequences; in the poorest and most vulnerable countries with average or low incomes [1].The intervention strategies undertaken to tackle chronic illnesses are eminently preventative and focus on the self-management of symptoms [2,3]
Of the 42 studies, 24 were ruled out on the following grounds: 11 studies were excluded for not providing published results; six papers had the objective of teaching or educating healthcare professionals or students through the use of an avatar, but did not undertake a psychological intervention; three papers did not have the objective of treating a chronic illness; two manuscripts did not relate to the study of any psychological variable; one paper included subjects under the age of 18, and one paper was a conference summary
(2) Taking into account the different types of avatar proposed in the studies included in the review, five modalities were established, according to technological complexity and avatar presentation
Summary
The intervention strategies undertaken to tackle chronic illnesses are eminently preventative and focus on the self-management of symptoms [2,3]. These techniques include, for example, educational meetings to improve knowledge of the illness and a sense of responsibility [4]; lifestyle changes, including daily physical exercise, a balanced diet, weight control and reducing stress levels [5]; and the implementation of actions geared towards increasing perceived self-efficiency in health [3]. Avatars have been used in many different fields, including in healthcare and educational settings
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