Open Access

Understanding and assessing gamification in digital healthcare interventions for patients with cardiovascular disease<sup> </sup>

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Date: 16 June 2022
Journal: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing , Volume 21 , Issue 6 , Pages 630 - 638
Authors: A. Berglund , T. Jaarsma , E. Berglund , A. Strömberg , L. Klompstra

ESC Journals

Abstract

Gamification is defined as the use of game design elements in contexts other than gaming to increase user engagement and experience. Gamification in cardiovascular care can contribute to positively change health behaviour with possible effects and benefits on physical health and mental well-being. Based on previous literature, in this article we describe: the conceptualization of gamification, the five gamification principles for gamified digital health programmes or applications, the six most common game elements used to impact health behaviour applied in gamified digital health interventions and finally scientifically validated instruments to use for assessment of gamification in terms of self-reported psychological outcomes.

About the contributors

Aseel Berglund

Role: Author

Tiny Jaarsma

Role: Author

Erik Berglund

Role: Author