As Patient Technology Coordinator, Marty McMahon uses video games and technology to support patients’ emotional, developmental, psychosocial and physical needs throughout their hospitalization. During playroom, group and bedside sessions, Marty engages patients with IRL (in real life) and virtual technology to promote normalization and socialization. As you might imagine, his impactful work is a hit with our patients.
Player Character
Thanks to funding from Child’s Play Charity, Marty joined our team in 2018 to improve the patient experience with gaming and technology integration. Texas Children’s was among the nation’s first children’s hospitals to level up and create a role dedicated to gaming activities.
Marty regularly collaborates with other activity coordinators and child life specialists in all areas of our Medical Center and provides insight and support to The Woodlands, West and North Austin campuses to develop programming that fosters socialization and engagement among children.
“Having a Patient Technology Coordinator on our team brings a unique expertise that expands our ability to connect with patients,” says Jill Mendez, Texas Children’s Manager of Clinical Support Services. “Marty helps our patients have experiences that are accessible and catered to their interests.”
For the Win
In addition to developing gamified tasks and facilitating interactive experiences for patients, he promotes the expanded use of virtual and augmented reality, 3-D printing, coding, and iPad and app engagement. His work is aimed at promoting a sense of normalcy for patients amidst challenging circumstances.
“When patients can be themselves, I see the why in what I do,” Marty reflected. “There’s a spark that lights in a patient when they see that I share similar interests with them and can talk about their favorite games, anime, shows or streamers. There’s a similar feeling when I can connect patients with gaming and technology they think is inaccessible to them, typically due to physical or developmental differences.”
Using roaming teleconferencing robots, Marty has developed an innovative way for patients unable to leave their rooms to virtually participate in Child Life events such as Easter Egg hunts or virtual field trips to the Houston Zoo and the city’s incredible museums.
Thanks to Marty’s dedication and expertise, video games and technology have become an essential part of our Child Life team’s diverse and innovative approach to patient care. He keeps his head in the game to give our patients the chance to smile, learn, have fun and just be a kid during their hospital stay.