SPAMLO-3.0 : Having Fun Shedding Light on Darkness, a Playful Approach to Reduce Anxiety in Palliative Care
This study is looking into whether a special computer game, called SPAMLO, can help reduce anxiety for people receiving palliative care. Palliative care helps people with serious illnesses feel as comfortable as possible, and anxiety can be a big concern for patients, their families, and staff. The game is designed to be a fun way to learn about palliative care. You follow a virtual character, Vito, as he explores different types of support available, like hospital care, home care, and nursing home support. The idea is that by understanding more about palliative care through this game, people might feel less anxious. Researchers hope this game could be a useful, non-drug way to support patients.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study focuses on people receiving palliative care, which is care given to help ease pain and other symptoms when someone has a serious illness. When someone is in palliative care, they, their family, and their carers often feel anxious. This anxiety can come from worries about what will happen, losing their abilities, or their symptoms getting worse. It can make life much harder and affect their overall well-being.
While there are ways to help manage anxiety, such as relaxation techniques or medicines, researchers are always looking for new and gentle approaches. That's where the computer game, SPAMLO, comes in. This game was created to teach people about palliative care in a fun and easy-to-understand way. In the game, you follow a character named Vito whose sister is in palliative care. You'll learn about different types of support, from hospital care to home care and nursing homes, and understand important topics like patient rights and advance care planning.
The researchers think that by playing this game and gaining more knowledge, people in palliative care might feel less anxious. This study wants to see if playing SPAMLO can really help reduce anxiety compared to just receiving the usual care. They hope it could become a helpful tool that doesn't involve medication.
Key takeaways
- The study tests if a game can reduce anxiety in palliative care.
- It's for adults in palliative care, expected to live over a month.
- You need access to a smart device and internet to play the game.
- Participation lasts 30 days, with assessments at 15 and 30 days.
- The game helps you learn about palliative care in a fun way.
- You can stop participating at any time.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to take part in this study if you are receiving palliative care and have been told that a cure for your illness isn't an option. You should be expected to live for at least another month.
To join, you need to be able to understand and give your agreement to take part without feeling pressured. You also need to have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with an internet connection, as the study involves playing a game on one of these devices.
However, you won't be able to join if you have problems with your memory or thinking, such as dementia or confusion. The study also can't include people who are very tired, or have severe vision or hearing problems that would make it difficult to play the game. Also, certain legal protections prevent some individuals, like children or those under legal guardianship, from participating.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you in palliative care without curative treatment proposed?
- Do you expect to live for more than one month?
- Can you understand and agree to take part freely?
- Do you have a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet?
- Are you able to see and hear well enough to play a game?
- Do you feel too tired to participate in a study?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be put into one of two groups by chance, like flipping a coin. One group will receive the usual palliative care. The other group will receive the usual palliative care AND get to play the SPAMLO game.
If you're in the game group, you'll have up to 7 days to play the game at your own pace, completing it in multiple sessions if you like. The study will then check your anxiety levels and other information both 15 days and 30 days after you start. This involves answering some questions. The total time you'll be involved with the study for these checks will be 30 days.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Centre Hospitalier de Saint-Brieuc - Paimpol - TréguierVerified postcodeSaint-Brieuc, France
Common questions
What is palliative care?
Palliative care helps people with serious illnesses feel as comfortable as possible by managing pain and other symptoms, and providing emotional and spiritual support.
What is a 'serious game'?
A 'serious game' is a game designed not just for fun, but also to teach, train, or inform players about a specific topic, in this case, palliative care.
Will I have to play the game at specific times?
No, if you're in the game group, you have 7 days to complete the game at your own pace, and you can play it in several short sessions if you prefer.
What if I don't have internet access?
To take part in the study, you need to have a computer, tablet, or smartphone with an internet connection because the game is played online.
Will my regular doctors still look after me?
Yes, regardless of which group you are in, you will continue to receive your usual palliative care from your healthcare team.
How to find out more
Fanny BEGUIER
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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