977 Breaking Out of Tradition: Designing Escape Rooms as Novel Simulation

Abstract Aim The emerging field of gamification, the addition of game play elements to non-game settings, is widely used in business and is increasingly being used in education. Successful methods have included live leader boards and a web-based game solving a protein folding conundrum. Method We designed an escape room (ER), incorporating gaming elements, focussing on communication in a surgical environment. A cross over study was delivered to 4th year medical students, comparing traditional simulation. The ER included logic puzzles, hidden clues, padlocked boxes, and surgical skills appropriate to their level. Self-reported engagement and teamwork were recorded, as was observed teamwork and communication skills. Results Self-reported engagement was very high for the students compared to more traditional simulation, including better understanding of effective communication strategies. The ER group were less likely to self-identify learning points but structured debrief mitigated this difference. Conclusions Gamification techniques can be integrated with good engagement and educational outcomes and should be considered as an adjunct to existing simulation strategy.