Serious Games as a Therapeutic Tool in Pediatric Urology: A Review of Current Applications and Future Directions

Abstract

This paper examines the use of serious games that integrate engaging gameplay with educational and therapeutic benefits with a particular focus on their application in urology. The study reviews both domestic and international cases to evaluate the current practices and implications of these digital therapies. While serious games have been widely utilized in the treatment of pediatric cancer and psychiatric disorders — areas that require long-term care and management — their application in urology, in particular pediatric urology, has been limited. Although digital therapies like serious games are still emerging in the field of urology, they hold promise as effective supplements to traditional treatments while offering new options for managing a range of urological conditions. Pediatric conditions such as bedwetting, urinary incontinence, and dysuria, which often benefit from long-term training and habit formation, are particularly well-suited to this approach. By helping pediatric patients better understand and manage their symptoms, serious games can play a supportive role in the treatment process and have shown positive medical outcomes. This paper reviews the definitions and therapeutic effects of serious games, analyzes their current use in the medical field, and argues for their increased application in treating pediatric urinary conditions.