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. 2021 Oct 13;2(1):117.
doi: 10.1186/s43058-021-00216-8.

Development of a theory-based video-game intervention to increase advance care planning conversations by healthcare providers

Deepika Mohan  1 , Meredith A MacMartin  2   3 , Julia S C Chelen  3 , Carolyn B Maezes  3 , Amber E Barnato  2   3
Affiliations

Development of a theory-based video-game intervention to increase advance care planning conversations by healthcare providers

Deepika Mohan et al. Implement Sci Commun. .

Abstract

Background: Hospitalization offers an opportunity for healthcare providers to initiate advance care planning (ACP) conversations, yet such conversations occur infrequently. Barriers to these conversations include attitudes, skill, and time. Our objective was to develop a theory-based, provider-level intervention to increase the frequency of ACP conversations in hospitals.

Methods: We followed a systematic process to develop a theory-based, provider-level intervention to increase ACP conversations between providers and their hospitalized patients. Using principles established in Intervention Mapping and the Behavior Change Wheel, we identified a behavioral target, a theory of behavior change, behavior change techniques, and a mode of delivery. We addressed a limitation of these two processes of intervention development by also establishing a framework of design principles to structure the selection of intervention components. We partnered with a game development company to translate the output into a video game.

Results: We identified willingness to engage in ACP conversations as the primary contributor to ACP behavior, and attitudes as a modifiable source of this willingness. We selected self-determination theory, and its emphasis on increasing autonomous motivation, as a relevant theory of behavior change and means of changing attitudes. Second, we mapped the components of autonomous motivation (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness) to relevant behavior change techniques (e.g., identity). Third, we decided to deliver the intervention using a video game and to use the narrative engagement framework, which describes the use of stories to educate, model behavior, and immerse the user, to structure our selection of intervention components. Finally, in collaboration with a game development company, we used this framework to develop an adventure video game (Hopewell Hospitalist).

Conclusions: The systematic development of a theory-based intervention facilitates the mechanistic testing of the efficacy of the intervention, including the specification of hypotheses regarding mediators and moderators of outcomes. The intervention will be tested in a randomized clinical trial.

Keywords: Attitudes; Behavioral interventions; Education; Healthcare providers advance care planning; Hospitalists; Motivation.

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Conflict of interest statement

None

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Conceptual model of intervention development. In this figure, we attempt to make transparent how each component of the intervention is intended to intervene on the behavioral process. We denote the relationships among different phases of intervention development with arrows, concrete components of the intervention with rectangles, and theoretical components of the intervention with ovals
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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