MedSMA℞T Mobile

Functionality & Mechanism

MedSMA℞T Mobile delivers pedagogical content on safe opioid management through a serious game titled 'Adventures in PharmaCity'. The intervention leverages a narrative where players guide a character through five levels, making decisions about medication storage, disposal, and sharing. A typical gameplay session is approximately 20-30 minutes. Developed as part of the MedSMA℞T Families intervention, the system is designed to engage adolescents by simulating real-world scenarios and demonstrating the direct consequences of medication-related choices through in-game outcomes.

Evidence & Research Context

• Across two quantitative evaluations (N=177 adolescents, N=68 parents total), the game demonstrated statistically significant pre-post improvements in opioid safety self-efficacy, perceived knowledge, and behavioral intent.
• Multiple evaluations with key stakeholders, including adolescents (N=72), parents (N=93), pharmacists (N=22), and emergency department staff (N=23), indicate high acceptability and perceived educational value.
• The intervention has been evaluated for implementation in clinical settings, with emergency department staff and pharmacists identifying it as an effective, age-appropriate patient education tool.
• Associated research highlights the positive findings but notes that a randomized controlled trial is required to definitively establish the intervention's effectiveness for sustained behavioral change.

Intended Use & Scope

The application is intended for use by adolescents (ages 12-18) and their parents as a preventative health education tool. Its primary utility is to supplement clinician counseling on the safe use, storage, and disposal of prescribed opioids. This system does not provide medical advice, track medication adherence, or replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional for prescription management.