"Step by step": the development of a therapeutic game to assist in the treatment of drug use.

Viviane Peçaibes,Ilana Andretta,Leandro Miletto Tonetto

doi:10.1590/1413-81232020256.17372018

Viviane Peçaibes, Ilana Andretta + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232020256.17372018

Copy DOI

Abstract

This research aimed to understand the potential of game design to improve the experience of drug users and their families with psychoeducation. In the design field, the term experience refers to the quality of the interaction between people and a product, which is, in this research, a therapeutic game called "Step by Step". Fifteen in-depth interviews were developed with patients and their family members after playing "Step by Step" in multifamily groups. Results indicate that the game improved the experience with psychoeducation. Participants' appraisals suggested that the game dynamics facilitated users' immersion. The playing situation was assessed as safe to address sensitive issues not normally expressed between patients and their relatives. The visual and tactile designed stimuli were evaluated as learning facilitators. The simplicity of the game was appraised as helpful, allowing the inclusion of distinct generations in collective learning. Results provided insights to foster game design in the health field.

Highlights

At a historical perspective, public policies related to the treatment of drug users have gone through substantial change in Brazil, shifting from a model that was centered in hospitalization to out-of-hospital alternatives
The Federal Law 10.216/20012 has stablished the constitutional principle of equality to drug users, as it once was applied only to those who were in psychological suffering or were diagnosed with mental health issues
The research results were divided into two subsections: The game and its tangible aspects, and Game dynamics

Summary

Introduction

Public policies related to the treatment of drug users have gone through substantial change in Brazil, shifting from a model that was centered in hospitalization to out-of-hospital alternatives. The Federal Law 10.216/20012 has stablished the constitutional principle of equality to drug users, as it once was applied only to those who were in psychological suffering or were diagnosed with mental health issues This change has led Brazil to offer public health assistance to these users, invest in the implementation of CAPS and in actions to harm reduction, and allow CAPS to assist these users in their treatment. Relapse prevention is one of the models employed to treat drug use in Brazil It aims at identifying internal issues of the user, such as emotional assets and personal beliefs, and external matters, such as the patient’s environment and family structure. It targets the learning process of abilities to deal with lapses and relapse episodes, and life-style changes, if necessary. Professionals that adopt this model may employ diverse strategies, such as psychoeducation[5]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion