JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Eating disorders are severe mental disorders associated with notable impairments in quality of life. Despite the severity of the disorders and extensive research in the field, effective treatment for eating disorders is lacking.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to describe and evaluate the usability of Maze Out, a Serious Game co-produced by patients and therapists, and to explore the acceptability of Maze Out among patients suffering from eating disorders.

Methods:

The present study is a qualitative study, collecting data through focus groups and individual interviews, including user analytics collected through the game. Participants were recruited from Odense Mental Health Service of Region South Denmark. We used the mobile health evidence reporting and assessment (mERA) checklist to describe and evaluate the usability of the game, supplemented with user-analytics collected through the game. Eighteen patients and a therapist participated in the qualitative interviews that were interpreted by IPA (Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis) which resulted in a co-produced Serious Game prototype, Maze Out.

Results:

The participants found Maze Out engaging, easy to use and a good platform to reflect on their disorder. They primarily used Maze Out as a conversational tool with their significant others and give them insight into experiences and daily life struggles for someone suffering from eating disorders.

Conclusions:

: Maze Out seems to be a promising tool as an addition to Eating Disorders treatment. Further research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of the game and its potential to support patients with different kind of eating disorders patients.