Evidence and Experiences: Improving Functioning of People with Mental Health Conditions Through Games and Technology

The use of gamified platforms in psychosocial rehabilitation has gained much popularity in recent years, due to its ability to provide structured stages of rehabilitation in an attractive and engaging manner. Some games are developed to train specific community living or work tasks, while others seek to improve cognition and social skills. These games may be delivered through webpages, mobile applications, kinect or virtual/augmented reality platforms. Research has shown varying effectiveness in the use of such serious games. Successful rehabilitation programmes often incorporate the active transfer of strategies learned in games to everyday living.

In addition to gamified platforms, the COVID19 pandemic has also created opportunities for rehabilitation practitioners to conduct group skills training via online remote platforms. This talk will cover some of the advantages of conducting group therapy sessions using online means, as well as points to note when planning such sessions.