NCT07609303 · Stanford University
Feeding the Flame, One Day at a Time: Design and Acceptability of a Serious Game to Support Medication Adherence and Education for Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Patients
(Mystic Wizard)
What this study is about
Children and teenagers who receive a solid organ transplant (such as a kidney, liver, or heart) must take medications every day to keep their new organ healthy. Taking these medications correctly and on time is one of the most important parts of staying well after a transplant, but it can be hard for young patients to understand why this matters and to keep up with their routines.
View original scientific description
Children and teenagers who receive a solid organ transplant (such as a kidney, liver, or heart) must take medications every day to keep their new organ healthy. Taking these medications correctly and on time is one of the most important parts of staying well after a transplant, but it can be hard for young patients to understand why this matters and to keep up with their routines. Doctors and nurses usually teach patients about their transplant through conversations, which may not always be engaging or easy for kids to remember. This study looks at a new way to help young transplant patients learn about their condition and their medications: an educational game played on a tablet. The purpose of the study is to find out what patients think of the game and how well it works for them. Researchers want to know whether young patients find the game acceptable and enjoyable, whether it is easy to use, whether it makes them feel motivated and capable, and how engaged they feel while playing. To do this, patients will play the tablet game and then share their experiences. After playing, they will take part in a small group interview where they talk about what they liked, what was confusing, and whether the game helped them understand their transplant and medications. They will also fill out short questionnaires about how easy the game was to use and how engaging it felt. The researchers' hypothesis is that pediatric solid organ transplant patients will find the educational tablet-based game acceptable, easy to use, and engaging, and that it will be a welcome and helpful tool for learning about their transplant care. The findings will help guide whether this kind of game could be used to support transplant education for children and teens.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Mystic Wizard
Mystic Wizards is a tablet-based serious game intervention designed to support medication understanding, self-efficacy, and health engagement among pediatric solid organ transplant recipients. The game uses a narrative fantasy framework in which players assume the role of a young wizard entrusted with a "Legacy Flame" representing their transplanted organ. Daily medications are represented as "potions" required to maintain the strength and stability of the Flame. The intervention includes short narrative sequences, interactive mini-games, visual feedback systems, and avatar customization features designed to reinforce medication routines and promote empowerment in a developmentally appropriate manner. Participants complete a single gameplay session lasting approximately 10-12 minutes on a tablet device during their inpatient hospitalization, followed by brief surveys and a semi-structured interview.
Primary outcome measures
Determine the acceptability the tablet-based game among solid transplant patient.
Time frame: Immediately after intervention
Semi-structured focus group interviews conducted in person immediately after intervention. Six core questions plus probing prompts assessing attitudes, opinions, and perceptions of the intervention experience
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Between age 7-17
- History of solid organ transplantation
- Current admission in inpatient unit
- Able to understand and interact with a tablet-based game in English
Exclusion criteria
- Legal guardian not present to obtain consent
- Child with a significant neurological condition, or major developmental disability
- Child with active infection of the face or hand
- History of severe motion sickness
- Severe visual or motor impairment limiting gameplay participation
- Acute medical instability
- Major surgery within the last 48 hours
- Inability to understand English
Where
- Palo Alto, California
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 28, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations