The potential of games for vulnerable groups like refugees: a scoping review

Abstract

Objective: To map existing studies on the development of games for refugees, identifying the developed games, characteristics and possible application to health care. Method: A scoping review study, carried out in July 2022, using the MEDLINE® (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), CINAHL® (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), SPORTDiscus, Scopus, SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Results: 8 studies were identified, with 8 different types of games published between 2016 and 2022. The characteristics of the games found essentially fall on their use to increase empathy towards refugees. Conclusion: This study identifies opportunities to strengthen the current body of knowledge in nursing, using games as ways of welcoming, training and integrating populations in situations of social vulnerability in which refugees find themselves.