Escape the Ordinary: How To Utilize Immersive Gamification in Medical Education (Level 3)

"Traditional forms of continuing medical education (CME) are often unidirectional and predicated on passive acquisition of information rather than application of knowledge. Over the past decade, interest in the use of innovative educational techniques, specifically game-based learning, has grown in order to engage clinicians in active learning, both online and in person. Research has shown that the integration of gamification into CME programs improves engagement, clinical decision-making skills, and knowledge. It can also lead to significant and durable practice change across various specialties. 

To leverage these findings, this presentation will provide learners with a detailed overview of game-based learning principles and actionable strategies to incorporate innovative technology into CME programs for clinicians of all disciplines. Attendees will include professionals from Medical Education Companies, Industry Alliance for CE, and Professionals with Educational Expertise, Resources, and Services. As a case study, we will review key components and metrics from a CME symposium developed by HME in collaboration with Infograph-ed; the activity was presented at the ACP Annual Internal Medicine Meeting 2023 and incorporated a digital Escape Room challenge. Attendees will be provided with an in-depth look at the innovative educational design of this live activity, and will be able to see up-to-date learner outcomes from the program, including documented improvements in both knowledge and competency. 

To better engage session attendees and facilitate their understanding of the format used during the ACP meeting, learners will be able to participate in a series of Escape Room challenges via their mobile device throughout the workshop. To add an element of competition to the session, participants will be grouped into 2 to 3 teams prior to completing the challenges. Each group will be assigned a color, and points will be awarded according to the time each group takes to complete each challenge as well the number of tries they require to answer the multiple-choice questions correctly. The groups will be able to see their rankings throughout the session on a Leader Board posted at the front of the room. 

One segment of the workshop will feature an open-ended discussion encouraging attendees to share their own experiences in the incorporation of game-based strategies in educational activities, as well as observed educational gains and potential challenges. 

Learners will come away from the session with a better understanding of game-based educational strategies and practical tactics, and an enhanced ability to integrate these modalities into CME activities. The interactive portion of the workshop will provide attendees the opportunity to learn from their colleagues’ experiences and improve their ability to incorporate innovative educational techniques in future activities. "