Pain Management in Older Adults: Pain significantly impacts the well-being of older adults, often leading to diminished physical abilities and a reduced quality of life. Despite this, pain management remains suboptimal, with concerns about medication side effects and a tendency to view pain as a natural aspect of aging. Consequently, many seniors are hesitant to use painkillers. As an alternative, non-pharmacological strategies such as educational programs, physical activity, massage, relaxation techniques, and music therapy are gaining traction.
Innovative Non-Drug Solutions: To improve participation in non-medication pain relief methods, we suggest incorporating gaming elements into these programs (GAP). Originating in digital media in 2008, gamification has since spread across various industries. It involves adding game-like elements to activities to boost engagement, experience, and motivation.
Project Goals: The aims of this initiative include creating a web-based Gamified Pain Management Program (GAP), engaging older adults with chronic pain in the development of GAP, and gathering their feedback on the program's effectiveness.
Aged 60 or above
Can understand Cantonese
Scored >6 in the Abbreviated Mental Test; a cut-off point of 6 is valid for differentiating between normal and abnormal cognitive functions in geriatric clients
Have a history of non-cancer pain in the past 6 months
Have severe visual and/or auditory deficits that affect that seeing and hearing
Have a serious organic disease or malignant tumor
Have a mental disorder diagnosed by neurologists or psychiatrists
Had a surgical treatment in the past two months
Single group
Gamified web-based pain management Program
Other interventionGamified Program Development: The project aims to create a Gamified web-based pain management Program (GAP) tailored for older adults with chronic pain, enhancing engagement through gaming elements. Inclusive Design Process: Older adults with chronic pain will actively participate in developing GAP, providing valuable feedback throughout the process. Pilot Study Design: A pre and post study design will be employed, with a small pilot group of 4 participants to offer diverse perspectives in the program's development. Educational Content \& Activities: GAP will feature interactive educational content on pain effects, medication, non-drug treatments, and exercises, delivered through a mobile-friendly web platform.
Pain Relief
Conducting pre- and post-test of Brief Pain Inventory Scale Title: Brief Pain Inventory Minimum Value: 0 Maximum Value: 10 Interpretation: Higher scores indicate worse pain outcomes.
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The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Lead sponsor
Hong Kong Metropolitan University
Sponsor institution
