Using Guessing Game to Increase Complication Awareness of Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Background. Prevention of complications is widely considered as the main aim of diabetes control. And diabetes education is the cornerstone for type 2 diabetes (T2D) management. However, traditional lecture-based diabetes patient education activities have small and shortlasting efficacy. Therefore, technology-based initiatives for diabetes patient education are urgently required. Objective. To evaluate Guessing, a popular game, as tool in increasing complication awareness of patients with newly diagnosed T2D during diabetes care. Patients and Methods. In a cohort study, 103 patients were split into Guessing Game group and control group. The opinions of patients and educators in Guessing Game group were surveyed. Patient performance was evaluated by test scores and the attendance to diabetes complication screening clinic. Results. A majority of patients and all educators believed that Guessing Game enhanced complication awareness. Educatees achieved higher total scores and test scores in "Fill in the Gaps" (one of 2 types of test item), more actively attended complication screening clinic, after using Guessing Game as an education tool. Conclusion. Guessing Game is an attractive and effective educational intervention to increase complication awareness of T2D patients.