User experiences of patients’ relatives with a computer game about pressure ulcer prevention: a descriptive qualitative study

Abstract

Patients' relatives are members of the care team.Obtaining their cooperation and empowering them by providing education is crucial for pressure ulcer (PU) prevention practices to be successful.Accordingly, innovative educational methods and continuous evaluation are needed.Aim This study aimed to evaluate the user experiences of patients' relatives regarding a three dimensional web-based computer game developed for PU prevention training. MethodsThe descriptive qualitative study was conducted between November 2021 and February 2022.PreSore: Pressure Ulcer Prevention Game (PPUPG) was developed, and participants (n = 55) were asked to play the game.An interview was performed at the end of the gameplay through the Gaming Experience Interview Questionnaire.Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative inductive content analysis. ResultsThe main categories regarding user experience were: learning motivation; responsibility; empathy; authenticity knowledge and learning; awareness; care components; and appropriateness.The most prominent sub-categories were: happy to be informed; desire to care for the virtual patient properly on time; feeling the difficulty of patient care; recognising the patient with PU risk; learning the bedridden patient care; an effective method and enjoyable. ConclusionThe data showed that PPUPG helped to create awareness about a virtual game-based approach for PU training, and users accepted the game as an educational method. Implications for clinical practiceThis study lays the groundwork for the future education of individuals and communities through digital platform games about prominent health issues.