Gamification for Machine Learning in Surgical Patient Engagement

Abstract

Patients and their surgeons face a complex and evolving set of choices in the process of shared decision making. The plan of care must be tailored to individual patient risk factors and values, though objective estimates of risk can be elusive, and these risk factors are often modifiable and can alter the plan of care. Machine learning can perform real-time predictions of outcomes, though these technologies are limited by usability and interpretability. Gamification, or the use of game elements in non-game contexts, may be able to incorporate machine learning technology to help patients optimize their pre-operative risks, reduce in-hospital complications, and hasten recovery. This article proposes a theoretical mobile application to help guide decision making and provide evidence-based, tangible goals for patients and surgeons with the goal of achieving the best possible operative outcome that aligns with patient values.

Reviewing the Potential Role of Artificial Intelligence in Delivering Personalized and Interactive Pain Medicine Education for Chronic Pain Patients

“…Additionally, gamification techniques can be integrated into AI-driven platforms, such as rewards for completing educational modules, challenges to test knowledge, and progress tracking to monitor improvement over time. 18 , 19 By gamifying the learning experience to persuade the patient with low motivation by creating external incentives, AI sustains patient motivation and engagement, making the educational process enjoyable and rewarding. 18 , 19 Gamification techniques include the use of badges, rewards, or points for medication adherence, exercising, and keeping appointments.…”

“… 18 , 19 By gamifying the learning experience to persuade the patient with low motivation by creating external incentives, AI sustains patient motivation and engagement, making the educational process enjoyable and rewarding. 18 , 19 Gamification techniques include the use of badges, rewards, or points for medication adherence, exercising, and keeping appointments. Additionally, patients can be connected with other patients who have similar struggles or commonalities that will result in a better outcome when paired.…”

Why non-technical skills matter in surgery. New paradigms for surgical leaders

“…It needs to be considered for routine surgical resident training to enhance performance and safety in surgery. Innovative ways as gaming and gamification could also support the enhancement of such skills [ 52 ].…”

“…Modern training techniques have proved to be successful in other settings, like in the case of entrepreneurship, where professional poker players teach students how to play and gamble to be able to cope with entrepreneurial risk. Pioneering procedures include gaming and gamification techniques with the support of the latest technologies [ 50 , 52 ] and sports.…”

Editorial: New Frontiers for Artificial Intelligence in Surgical Decision Making and its Organizational Impacts

“…Last but not least, seeing surgery more generally, the mini-review of Balch and colleagues ( 9 ) allowed shedding light on the promising contribution of gamification, empowered by Machine Learning technology, to shared-decision making involving clinicians and patients. Advantages include limiting pre-operative complications, reducing in-hospital problems, and fostering recovery.…”