Evaluating the use of an online gaming community in a pediatric hemodialysis center.
Children that suffer from chronic illnesses are at risk of developing behavioral disorders stemming from a lack of self esteem,frequent removal from their peer support networks, and feeling a sense of injustice with regards to their medical condition and the health of their peers.Furthermore, the process of hemodialysis can be a socially isolating experience by way of being tied to a machine that restricts freedom of movement and social activity amongst concomitant users.
Mathews
Arun
A
Division of Health Sciences Informatics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Swain
Robert
R
White
Mary
M
Lehmann
Harold
H
Furth
Susan
S
D002648:Child; D006436:Hemodialysis Units, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D009862:Online Systems; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D018910:Video Games / Q000523:psychology*