Using a video game to help women with advanced cancer advocate for their care
Efficacy of a self-advocacy serious game intervention for women with advanced cancer
This study is testing a fun and interactive game designed to help women with metastatic breast or advanced gynecologic cancer learn how to speak up for their healthcare needs and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10915591 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how a serious game can empower women with metastatic breast or advanced gynecologic cancer to advocate for their own healthcare. The game provides an interactive platform where participants can learn self-advocacy skills through immersive scenarios that reflect their personal experiences. By engaging in this game, patients will receive tailored training and goal-setting to help them manage their quality of life and treatment-related symptoms effectively. The approach combines behavioral theories with technology to enhance patient engagement and skill development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer or advanced gynecologic cancer.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancer or those who do not identify as women may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for women with advanced cancer by equipping them with essential self-advocacy skills.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that serious games can be effective in health interventions, indicating a promising approach for this novel application.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomas, Teresa Hagan — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Thomas, Teresa Hagan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.