Media.Player

Social Gaming to Promote Organ Donation

Detailed Technology Description

None

*Abstract

Researchers have developed a new approach to using social networking to educate the public about organ and tissue donation by developing a game that simulates a transplant center for the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Facebook. The game embeds information about organ and tissue donation and incorporates links for people to join their state registry electronically. To play, users must place and maintain different pieces of equipment on the game board and assist the transplant surgeon. Users can invite their Facebook friends to join and can send and receive gifts that are needed to complete in-game tasks. This networking effect creates broad awareness of organ and tissue donation.Applications1. Public education campaign to promote organ donor awarenessAdvantages1. This gaming project (and subsequent platform) will demonstrate a way to embed clinically and socially meaningful information into an entertaining game without being obtrusive. 2. The use of gaming to promote health and other non-pecuniary purposes is novel and growing. 3. Very few mass-market games address socially relevant causes.4. Underwriters will be able to reach a large audience of activated users while supporting the positive social mission of promoting organ donation. 5. Mobile and online games are incredibly popular and have attracted substantial amounts of revenue through sales and in-game advertising.Stage of development* Prototype created* End User testing underwayCopyright .

*Principal Investigator

Name: Helen Bollinger

Department:

Name: Howard Degenholtz

Department: GSPH-Health Policy & Management

Name: Misty Enos

Department:

Name: Abby Resnick

Department: GSPH-Health Policy & Management

Country/Region

USA