Future Now
The IFTF Blog
CIGNA's got game
I just noticed that CIGNA recently decided to make available to its members, at no charge, Re-Mission, a "shoot-'em-up" game for teens with cancer. Developed by HopeLab, Re-Mission is one of the first health-related games to be subject to randomized, controlled trials to test its effect on treatment adherence, cancer-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and quality of life among teenagers and young adults with cancer. Pat Christen, CEO of HopeLab, participated on a panel at our Spring Conference, and shared with us some inspiring stories about the impact the game has had on young cancer patients and their families.
CIGNA's home page currently features an announcement of the availability of Re-Mission to its members. HopeLab, which has shipped more than 76,000 copies of the game on its own, now has access to Cigna's broad distribution channel--according to InformationWeek, the company's network of physicians and vast membership covers more than 60,000 employers and about 47 million individuals.
By the way, HopeLab's next project will target obesity. Ruckus Nation is "an online idea competition that challenges participants to imagine innovative products that will increase physical activity among kids ages 11 to 14. The best product ideas will win." The contest will kick off in September 2007, and up to $300,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded when the winners are announced in early 2008.