Facilitators and Challenges to Exergaming: Perspectives of Patients With Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Few investigators have explored challenges and facilitators to exergaming, essential factors to exergaming adherence, among patients with heart failure. OBJECTIVES: In this qualitative study, we explored facilitators and challenges using a home-based exergame platform, the Nintendo Wii Sports, in patients with heart failure. METHODS: Semistructured face-to-face interviews were conducted in 13 participants given a diagnosis of heart failure (age range, 34-69 years). Participants were asked about their experiences with exergaming. Transcribed interviews were analyzed with content analysis. RESULTS: The following 4 facilitators were identified: (1) enjoyment and competition motivated gaming, (2) accessibility at home gave freedom and lowered participants' barriers to exercise, (3) physical benefits when decreasing sedentary lifestyle, and (4) psychosocial benefits on stress, mood, and family interactions. Challenges included (1) diminished engagement over time due to boredom playing similar games and (2) frustrations due to game difficulty and lack of improvement. CONCLUSION: Exergaming can increase individuals' physical activity because of easy accessibility and the fun and motivating factors the games offer. Participants initially found exergaming enjoyable and challenging. However, engagement diminished over time because of boredom from playing the same games for a period of time. Participants' preferences and capacities, participants' past experiences, and social support must be considered to avoid boredom and frustrations. Future studies are warranted to determine adherence to exergaming among patients with heart failure and, ultimately, increased overall well-being and healthcare delivery in this patient population.

Sexual Health Education: Knowledge Level of Oncology Nurses and Barriers to Discussing Concerns With Patients.

BACKGROUND: Cancer treatment has a significant impact on a patient's sexual health and function. However, numerous communication barriers deter healthcare professionals from initiating a sexual health conversation with patients. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the effects of a nurse-focused sexual health education workshop on change in knowledge of sexual concerns, barriers to discussing sexuality, and frequency of bringing up sexual concerns. METHODS: A train-the-trainer approach was used to educate oncology nurse managers, who then trained oncology nurses (N = 65) at 10 education workshops. Each workshop provided four hours of content on sexual health and incorporated role-play and lecture. FINDINGS: Mean knowledge scores were improved, and barriers to discussing sexuality at the three- and six-month follow-ups were reduced. Frequency in discussing sexual concerns increased at three months and was sustained at six months.