Virtual world to help children cope with cancer

  • Email a Friend
  • Print Page
Virtual world to help children cope with cancer
By Liz Tay
Apr 5, 2008 12:15 PM
Tags: virtual | world | cancer | children | researchers

Researchers in Canada are developing an online virtual world in which children with cancer can talk with others about their illness, and manage symptoms caused by cancer and other chronic diseases.

By studying children’s perceptions of their cancer symptoms, researchers hope to discover methods for assessing symptoms, and better evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

“Cancer is a very scary word for children,” said nursing researcher Dr. Roberta Woodgate of the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada.

“We want to help them deal with the subject in a way that is most appropriate to them, and at their level.”

The interactive game will represent symptoms in a non-violent story such as travelling through a jungle or a haunted house and encountering challenges, or symptom experiences, and the opportunity and means to meet the challenges.

Interviews with seven to 17 year olds will help determine content in separate games for children and teenagers.

Woodgate believes gaming will teach children with chronic diseases how to recognise and manage real-life symptom experiences such as fatigue and pain. In addition to helping children take their minds off their illness, Woodgate said the virtual world would allow children to “act” and “react” in a safe and comfortable environment.

“I hope that gaming as an intervention will improve children’s symptom assessment and management, and their quality of life. What we learn may improve the experiences of families and professionals,” she said.

 
Comments

Be the first to comment on this article.
Thoughts on this article? Add a comment below.
Comment:
Want to participate in the discussion?
Or log in now to comment
 
 
Top Stories
Conroy opens NBNCo regulation debate
Part two of the regulatory reforms paper.
 
Utilities wise up to smart grids
Power to the people?
 
Sydney Water turned off wrong pipe
Admits error with Macquarie Telecom data centre.
 
Exclusive Data Centre - Sponsored Content by Microsoft

Latest Comments

"I turn bluetooth off on my mobile to save the battery. Looks like now I've got another reason. "
by Slatts Jul 4, 2009 1:09 PM
 
"I'm kind of assuming that the water was used in water cooled condensers for the air-conditioning...."
by Slatts Jul 2, 2009 8:54 PM
 
"Why do we have to listen to Nick Minchin's comments? He is just about irrelevant in his opinions ..."
by ngo Jul 2, 2009 8:35 PM
 
" It's not very surprising that the Chinese junta still wants to impose the 'Green Dam - Youth ..."
by anonymous Jul 2, 2009 3:49 PM
 
"I would suggest for anyone wanting to join in the BOINC projects such as SETI@home, World ..."
by wolfgang8741 Jul 2, 2009 5:37 AM

Polls

What will you do when your iPhone contract comes up for renewal?




   |   View results
Retain my current service provider
  11%
 
Switch to a cheaper plan
  18%
 
Switch to a better network
  17%
 
Switch to whoever offers free tethering
  18%
 
Change handset altogether
  36%
TOTAL VOTES: 192

Vote