Development and validation of a board game for children with cancer

Abstract

Objective: To elaborate and validate a board game for effective communication between health professionals and children with cancer. Methods: This methodological research followed Vigostky's social-constructivist theory as a theoretical framework and the Child-Centered Game Development (CCGD) as a methodological framework. We carried out the study between February/2016 and July/2017 and followed these phases: analysis, concept, design, implementation, and evaluation. In the phases that we had children's participation, we included those who were between 8 to 12 years old and diagnosed with cancer. During the development of the game, we analyzed the collected data according to the objective of each phase. The Research Ethics Committee from a Higher Education Institute approved the research (Protocol number: 1.387.962/2014). Results: The phase study revealed that the child wishes to be informed in an adequate language to their level of comprehension. In the concept phase, we defined the developing elements of the game. In the design phase, we propose a prototype of the board that subsequently was implemented so that the child could carry out a reliable evaluation of the game board design. In the evaluation phase, professionals evaluated the content of the cards with an average index of 0.95, the game designers approved the usability, and the children reported enjoying the game. Conclusion: We considered the game board "Skuba! An adventure under the sea" valid. Thus, the game represents an important tool in the communication process with this target audience.