A tablet game to help kids with solid organ transplants remember and learn their medicines
Official title: Feeding the Flame, One Day at a Time: Design and Acceptability of a Serious Game to Support Medication Adherence and Education for Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Patients
Run by Stanford University · NCT07609303 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A tablet-based educational game is being tested to see if it helps kids aged 7–17 on solid organ transplants learn about their meds and stay adherent.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 7 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Palo Alto, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 17, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 16, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 16, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07609303 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 7–17 years old with a history of solid organ transplantation, currently admitted in an inpatient unit, and able to interact with a tablet-based game in English.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not engage with tablets, do not understand English, or have conditions limiting gameplay may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study tests a tablet game called Mystic Wizard designed to educate pediatric transplant patients about their medications. The aim is to gauge acceptability, ease of use, motivation, engagement, and potential impact on medication routines. Participants are children aged 7–17 with a history of solid organ transplantation who are currently admitted on a hospital inpatient unit and can interact with the game in English. The study evaluates user experience and perceived educational value in a real inpatient setting. Results will inform whether this gamified approach could supplement traditional education for pediatric transplant patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the game could help young patients understand and remember their medication schedules, potentially improving adherence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous efforts to use gamified education for pediatric patients have shown mixed results, with some improvements in engagement and knowledge.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between age 7-17 * History of solid organ transplantation * Current admission in inpatient unit * Able to understand and interact with a tablet-based game in English Exclusion Criteria: * Legal guardian not present to obtain consent * Child with a significant neurological condition, or major developmental disability * Child with active infection of the face or hand * History of severe motion sickness * Severe visual or motor impairment limiting gameplay participation * Acute medical instability * Major surgery within the last 48 hours * Inability to understand English
Where it's running
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Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford
Palo Alto, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Thomas Caruso, MD, PhD — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Amrita Narang, MD
- Email: anarang@stanford.edu
- Phone: (650) 721-2250
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Genotype-informed dosing of tacrolimus for children after organ transplants
This study tests if adjusting the dose of tacrolimus based on children's genetic makeup can help them after organ transplants by ensuring they get the right amount of the medication.
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Virtual mentorship program for parents of pediatric organ transplant recipients
This study tests whether a virtual mentorship program can help parents of children who have had organ transplants feel less alone and improve their mental health.
-
Understanding respiratory viral infections in pediatric transplant recipients
This study is trying to see if measuring respiratory viruses before a transplant can help predict which kids might get respiratory infections afterward.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.