New Card Game Helps Patients Discuss Chronic Illness

The SPIKE! deck uses imagery to help patients bridge communication gaps with their medical providers.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Board Games

New Card Game Helps Patients Discuss Chronic Illness

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Do you believe patient-led support tools improve the quality of your healthcare conversations?

Developed in Fall 2025 by author Denise Brodey, the card game SPIKE! provides a therapeutic tool for patients to navigate life with chronic illness. Facilitators use the deck to encourage participants to share stories about their health journeys.

Why it matters

The game aims to improve self-advocacy by helping patients articulate their experiences to medical providers. By using visual prompts, it provides a structured way to discuss the transition from life before to life after a diagnosis.

The SPIKE! deck contains 27 image cards designed to prompt discussion among patients. Currently, the cards are available for free download during the testing phase.

The players

Denise Brodey

She is the author of The Elephant in the Playroom and the creator of the SPIKE! card game.

Brigham and Women's COVID Recovery Center

This medical facility served as a testing site for the card game in Boston.

The details

Players choose three cards that represent their lives before, during, and after the onset of chronic illness. A facilitator uses these selections to guide participants through a discussion about their personal health challenges and recovery experiences.

Fall 2025: Denise Brodey developed SPIKE! during a master's program.
March 2026: A patient group at Brigham and Women's COVID Recovery Center tested the game.
October 2026: The project reached its current stage of development.

Culture Shift

The game follows the precedent set by the publication of The Elephant in the Playroom by centering patient narratives in healthcare discussions. It reflects a growing societal shift toward using creative tools to improve patient self-advocacy and provider communication.

Patients and caregivers in the Boston area can access the game cards for free download during the current testing phase. This tool provides a structured method for individuals to prepare for medical appointments and improve their communication with doctors.

The takeaway

Using visual aids can significantly lower the barrier to sharing complex health stories with medical professionals. Those interested in this approach can utilize the free digital deck to facilitate their own supportive discussions.