Decision-Making Game for Simulation of Breast Cancer Biopsy and Treatment

Abstract

Game-based simulations using real-world case scenarios can benefit health professionals and students regarding experience in decision-making. In this work, players can decide on breast cancer biopsy procedures and the sequence they should handle each medical device. In addition, based on breast cancer findings, players can simulate and recommend Chemotherapy and Hormone therapy treatments, choosing routes of administration, doses and periodicity schemas. In particular, with the help of expert collaborators from the health area, we compiled and structured a representative and up-to-date collection of worldwide medications to treat the most common breast cancer types used in the game. Furthermore, to contribute to the players' learning process, the history of decision-making of each player over time is saved automatically. This feature allows visualizing each patient's breast cancer treatment journey along the years and learning based on trial and error, modifications, repetitions, searches, and replaying the game as needed using different players' decisions. Players work toward a health goal, choosing actions and experiencing the consequences of those actions through active learning.