Betterland: an interactive cd-rom guide for children with cystic fibrosis

Paediatr Nurs. 2006 Sep;18(7):30-3. doi: 10.7748/paed.18.7.30.s25.

Abstract

Effective management of cystic fibrosis (CF) depends on adherence to a daily multi-component regimen. Segregation policies have been reported to lead to a dramatic fall in the incidence of cross infection rates in specialist CF centres. Previously, peers provided a valuable source of information and support; segregation means that there is virtually no contact with other people with CF. In this context the Betterland CD-ROM was developed with the aim of improving knowledge and understanding and helping children and young people cope with time-consuming CF treatments (inhalation therapies and physiotherapy) and painful procedures by using filmed-model approaches. Betterland is an interactive computer game, designed in the style of a theme park. Patient and carer feedback has been positive and the CD-ROM has been incorporated into a nurse-led Moving to High School (MotHS) programme, as well as the patient education work of the CF multidisciplinary team, particularly clinical nurse specialists.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Age Factors
  • Attitude to Health
  • CD-ROM / standards*
  • Child
  • Child Nutrition Sciences / education
  • Child, Preschool
  • Computer-Assisted Instruction / methods*
  • Computer-Assisted Instruction / standards
  • Cystic Fibrosis / complications
  • Cystic Fibrosis / prevention & control*
  • Cystic Fibrosis / psychology
  • Humans
  • Infection Control
  • Nursing Education Research
  • Nursing Evaluation Research
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain / prevention & control
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Patient Education as Topic / standards
  • Psychology, Child
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Video Games / psychology*
  • Video Games / standards