The American Cancer Society predicts that in the U.S., new cancer diagnoses will surpass two million this year, with a majority of cases affecting individuals over the age of 65. For older men and women, navigating cancer treatment can be challenging, and the risk of complications post-hospital discharge is high. Not knowing how to manage their at-home care can result in serious consequences that may lead to rehospitalization.
One nurse who has witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by patients during recovery is Victoria Loerzel, PhD at UCF College of Nursing. She has worked as an oncology nurse for two decades and has seen many patients being readmitted due to non-compliance with post-treatment instructions. Recognizing the need for better patient education, she developed a game featuring a silver-haired avatar that guides patients through the recovery process at home.
The game allows patients to make choices for the avatar that mirror the decisions they will need to make for themselves post-discharge. By engaging with the avatar and experiencing the impact of their choices, patients can better understand how to manage their care at home. This approach is particularly important for older patients, who are at higher risk for severe side effects and complications.
Victoria Loerzel received a significant grant from the National Institutes of Health to conduct a larger study following 500 patients over a six-month period after treatment to assess the impact of her game on their recovery journey. She hopes that her game will save patients time and resources, prevent unnecessary readmissions, and improve overall health outcomes by providing them with a simple and interactive way to learn about post-treatment care.
With more than two million new cancer diagnoses expected in the U.S., it’s important for healthcare providers like Victoria Loerzel to continue developing innovative solutions that support patient education and improve their overall health outcomes during recovery from cancer treatment.
