With the rapid advancement of mobile technology, various aspects of life are starting to collide and mesh in a positive and progressive manner. Mobile gaming and healthcare are two particular industries en route to becoming seamlessly integrated. Thanks to graphics and operational technology available like Snapdragon advanced processors, powerful smartphones and tablets engage users in truly immersive experiences within mobile gaming applications. Thus, the pairing of mobile games with medical purpose completely makes sense and is proving effective in multiple sides of the practice.
Medical Training
Being a medical practitioner, whether it is a doctor, nurse, equipment operator or psychologist, is no easy task. It takes intense training and practical expertise when someone’s life is at stake and a matter that cannot be taken lightly. Mobile games are a way for these philanthropists in training and ones currently practicing sharpen skills, learn and gain the medical experience required to help save lives.
One facet of how mobile platforms have been leveraged in the medical arena are digitally simulated situations where med students can practice using operating-room machines or perform surgery in a virtual setting so that, should any mistakes happen, it won’t cost any actual money or lives. Additionally, serious games, mobile applications serving the main purpose of educating players in specific areas of study, are an effective method for healthcare staff to acquire and retain relevant information in the field in order to expand and improve overall treatment.
Patient Treatment
On the shop-floor side of medicine, patients are also benefiting from the growing emergence of mobile gaming. Games can promote cognitive agility as well as expedite rehabilitation and more. Virtual reality via mobile devices and VR headsets are currently being utilized to assist burn victims in pain control and recovery, and it doesn’t stop there. The brain is a wondrous thing and mobile gaming is attempting to figure it out with “brain games” that exercise various parts of it to strengthen cognition and even prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, health-related apps that give useful guidance in nutrition, fitness and diet have gained vast popularity and work to educate audiences towards healthier lifestyles.
Indirect Health Benefits
Due to the physical inactivity that’s often tied to video gaming there have been past concerns about possible negative effects the activity could pose, however emerging research argues that mobile gaming could be doing just the opposite. A study done by the University of Rochester showed that electronic gaming could change the brain for the better, not only improving hand-eye coordination but also decision making and creative thinking ability. Hand-eye coordination in particular is directly related to someone’s physical performance in sports and daily activity and making smart decisions and creativity is crucial for individuals to function in everyday life, hopefully allowing them to avoid dangerous situations and find stimulation and satisfaction based on their choices enabled by the brain.
Healthy Habit Formation
The reward component gaming provides is starting to be applied to form beneficial habits. For instance, taking medications are often seen as a daunting and often forgotten task. But by not taking them, many put their health at significant risk. Therefore, health-focused companies have started investing in producing mobile games that reward players who remember to take medicine on time and when necessary, promoting healthy habits and ultimately saving lives.
The impact of mobile gaming on the healthcare industry has just begun. The medical world looks to doctor up itself with the integration of modern technology and a promise for a healthier society is most definitely on the horizon with this 21st century addition.
