Clinical Trials Re-spec: The Role of Games and Gamification in the Future of Clinical Trials

This article explores the use and potential of games and gamification in clinical trials. Case examples of games used in three contextual areas are presented: education about clinical trials to encourage consideration of trial participation, the use of games to measure objective health outcomes, and the use of gamification approaches to drive positive patient compliance behavior and reduce unnecessary withdrawals during clinical studies. It is concluded that the use of gamification to enhance compliance and retention offers great potential. Games to measure health outcomes offer particular value in niche indications, but their universal applicability needs to be especially considered if they are to be used in non-supervised settings.