The pharmaceutical company Akili recently announced a new partnership with gaming giant Roblox for its ADHD therapy. This partnership will open up access to the medication for children with ADHD and provide a new platform for delivery of the treatment. In this article, we’ll take a look at the benefits of the partnership and the implications for accessibility. We’ll also examine the challenges that this partnership may pose for the company.
Game-based treatment for ADHD
The new treatment from pharmaceutical giant Akili is not a drug, but a video game. The game relies on a digital-first distribution model to reach patients. In fact, the game’s debut is already on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. And the company is considering adding Snapchat to the list of social media sites it’s already on. Its game-based approach is not just effective for ADHD patients, but also for patients of other neurological disorders.
In a move that challenges traditional thinking about medicine, Akili and gaming giant Roblox have joined forces to create EndeavorRx, a new game-based treatment for children with ADHD. EndeavorRx was developed to complement other treatment methods, including medications and education. In fact, a recent study showed that playing the game increased neuronal activity in the attention area of the brain. The new partnership between Akili and Roblox is a step-wise integration of the two companies’ technologies.
Partnership with gaming giant Roblox
Developing an immersive, game-like environment for children with attention deficit disorder is becoming a key part of treatment plans, and one company is setting out to do just that. The gaming giant is known for its user-made worlds and young users spending money on avatar clothing. With the partnership with Akiki interactive, the creator of attention deficit disorder treatment EndeavorRx, the company plans to develop new ways for children to engage in health while playing their favorite games.
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The company recently went public and has since skyrocketed in value to $40 billion. This growth reflects the growing popularity of gaming, and the company expects that the number of gamers is only going to rise. According to Newzoo, the gaming industry will generate $217 billion by 2023. A new partnership with gaming giant Roblox could help this industry grow even further. Moreover, this will help the companies target younger audiences and provide them with valuable insights on how to create an effective therapy.
Impact of partnership on accessibility
The impact of partnerships on the accessibility of ADHD therapy delivery is an important issue, but it also has a practical side. It is important to understand what barriers may be present when accessing treatments. These can include structural, cultural and financial barriers. In some regions, the availability of services for ADHD is poor, and the response to COVID-19 has worsened these problems. However, research has established a range of long-term costs and adverse outcomes for people who are left untreated. In response, the consensus group called for greater funding and training for healthcare professionals, streamlined communication between health services, and better coordination of care.
The Pennsylvania Medicaid program, for example, won’t cover any therapy sessions with parents of children with ADHD. Louisiana’s Medicaid program is managed care, and will pay providers a lump sum for a patient’s overall care. In Louisiana, the state Medicaid plan wants pediatricians to connect with behavioral health specialists and primary care doctors to improve access to treatment. Tulane University has joined this initiative by training behavioral health professionals across the state in ADHD therapy.