Development and validation of a board game for children with cancer

This methodological research followed Vigostky’s social-constructivist theory as a theoretical framework and the Child-Centered Game Development (CCGD) as a methodological framework. We carried out the study between February/2016 and July/2017 and followed these phases: analysis, concept, design, implementation, and evaluation. In the phases that we had children’s participation, we included those who were between 8 to 12 years old and diagnosed with cancer. During the development of the game, we analyzed the collected data according to the objective of each phase. The Research Ethics Committee from a Higher Education Institute approved the research (Protocol number: 1.387.962/2014).

Results

The phase study revealed that the child wishes to be informed in an adequate language to their level of comprehension. In the concept phase, we defined the developing elements of the game. In the design phase, we propose a prototype of the board that subsequently was implemented so that the child could carry out a reliable evaluation of the game board design. In the evaluation phase, professionals evaluated the content of the cards with an average index of 0.95, the game designers approved the usability, and the children reported enjoying the game.

Conclusion

We considered the game board “Skuba! An adventure under the sea” valid. Thus, the game represents an important tool in the communication process with this target audience.

Child; Neoplasms; Communication; Play and playthings

Dimensions evaluation	IVC
1. Objectives
1.1 Is coherent with the information needs of the targeted audience.	1
1.2 Is coherent from the educational point of view.	1
1.3 It may circulate in the scientific community in the field of pediatric oncology.	1
1.4 Meets the goals of professionals and institutions that assist/work with children with cancer.	1
2. Structure and presentation
2.1 The game is appropriate for children with cancer undergoing treatment.	1
2.2 The information in the cards is presented in a clear and objective manner.	1
2.3 The presented information is scientifically correct.	1
2.4 There is a logical sequence of the proposed content.	0.8
2.5 Information is well structured regarding the verbal agreement and orthography.	1
2.6 The writing style corresponds to the level of knowledge of the targeted audience.	1
2.7 The aesthetics of the game are attractive and adequate.	0.8
2.8 The duration of the game is adequate.	1
2.9 The board illustrations are expressive.	0.8
2.10 The number of illustrations on the board is sufficient.	0.8
3. Relevance
3.1 The cards portray key aspects that must be reinforced	1
3.2 The board allows the player to acquire knowledge about oncology treatment.	1
3.3 The board addresses subjects necessary for the knowledge of the targeted audience.	1
3.4 The board is appropriate for use by any professional from the pediatric oncology field.	1
Overall	0.95

Heuristics	Severity degree
Heuristics	Not identified	Cosmético	Simple	Grave
1. System status	3
2. System Compatibility with the real world	3
3. User control and freedom	3
4. Consistency and standards			1	2
5. Error prevention				3
6. Recognition rather than remembrance	3
7. Flexibility and efficiency of use	3
8. Aesthetics and minimalist design	3
9. Help to the users with recognition, diagnosis, and error correction.	3
10. Help and documentation		1	2

Escola Paulista de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de São Paulo R. Napoleão de Barros, 754, 04024-002 São Paulo - SP/Brasil, Tel./Fax: (55 11) 5576 4430 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: actapaulista@unifesp.br

Acompanhe os números deste periódico no seu leitor de RSS

[1] Corresponding author: Daniela Doulavince Amador E-mail: dani_doulavince@yahoo.com.br