Electronic games in child and adolescent health care: An integrative review

Abstract

In the current context we find games that involve advanced technologies, such as the use of notebooks, smartphones and video games, whether in the hospital, outpatient, medical clinic, or home setting, these innovative devices are integrated into health promotion, prevention, treatment, and recovery. This study aimed to describe, using an integrative review, the use of electronic games in child and adolescent health care. This was a review of national and international literature; articles published between the years 2007 and 2017, which addresses the implications of electronic game usage. Data collection was performed between January and April of 2018, in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), selecting databases (MEDLINE, LILACS and BDENF) using the VHL Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS). The following descriptors were used: “Criança hospitalizada/ Hospitalized Child”; “Jogos de vídeo/Video Games”; “Promoção da saúde/Health Promotion”. The analysis was performed from the final sample of 11 articles. The literature addresses issues related to the use of electronic games. Issues related to health promotion, prevention, treatment and recovery in situations of chronic diseases, and the stimulation of physical activities were evidenced in the study. This findings showed the relevance for health professionals, especially nurses, to know that electronic games can help in the care for children with acute or chronic diseases, whether or not they are hospitalized.