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MedEd DeepDive: Where Innovation Meets Education
Whether you're a student navigating the complexities of medical school, an educator striving to improve learning outcomes, a researcher pushing the boundaries of knowledge, or a policymaker shaping the future of medical education—this podcast is for you.
In Season 1 of MedEd DeepDive, we explore the cutting-edge innovations transforming how we teach and learn. From the use of AI and chatbots to combat vaccine misinformation to the game-changing potential of virtual simulations and the metaverse in medical training, our episodes dive into the latest research and real-world applications. We'll also discuss innovative tools like serious games, escape rooms, and virtual patients that make learning more immersive and effective.
Join us as we examine the technological advancements and essential human elements of healthcare education, highlighting how strategies like interprofessional education, team-based learning, and even traditional methods like moulage can create a more holistic and impactful approach.
Subscribe now to stay ahead of the curve and participate in the conversation shaping the future of healthcare education.
Alright. So are we talking doctors ditching the textbooks and spending all their time with VR headsets now? When it comes to serious gaming in health care education, I mean, is that where we're at?
Yassin:Well, not quite, but it's getting closer. I think you'd be surprised Okay. By some of what this research review found. Really? Yeah.
Yassin:We're diving into a huge pile of studies Okay. All about games and gamification in health care training.
Zaynab:So doctors, nurses
Yassin:Exactly. It it's not just about the games themselves, but how we're using game like elements to shake up the way we train the next generation of health care professionals.
Zaynab:Interesting. So is this like a head to head between old school school lectures and fancy simulations, trying to see what actually works to get these folks ready for the real world?
Yassin:Yeah. Got it. It's like they threw everything but the kitchen sink at this research, comparing traditional methods with cutting edge technology and everything in between.
Zaynab:Gotcha. So let's cut to the chase. Do people actually learn better with games? We've all gotten sucked into a good game, but does that translate to real world medical knowledge?
Yassin:That's the question, isn't it? And the review suggests it's less about declaring a clear winner and more about understanding the nuances. There's definitely some promising evidence that games can pack a punch when it comes to boosting knowledge.
Zaynab:Okay. So how does that actually play out in, like, a study?
Yassin:One that really stood out to me involved primary care physicians using a game to up their game in blood pressure management. And get this, not only did their test scores improve, but the game actually helped them use specific techniques in their practice.
Zaynab:Wait. So they played a game, and it actually translated to better care for their patients.
Yassin:You got it. This game zeroed in on those nuanced skills, like motivational interviewing with patients, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs, all those things that make a real difference in blood pressure control.
Zaynab:Wow. So it's more than just knowing the textbook stuff.
Yassin:Right. And the results back it up. Patients of doctors who use the game saw their blood pressure improve faster.
Zaynab:Okay. So that's real world impact right there. So games might be good for knowledge, but what about actual hands on skills? It seems like surgical simulations and games would be a no brainer there.
Yassin:You'd think so. Right? But this is where the review gets super interesting. It's not as clear cut as you might expect. There were some studies using those commercial off the shelf games, think Wii or PlayStation, and they actually found some improvements, especially in surgical techniques.
Zaynab:Although, are you telling me that playing Wii could make you a better surgeon?
Yassin:Well, not exactly. While there's some evidence that those kinds of games can help with hand eye coordination and spatial awareness, it's not as simple as swapping a scalpel for a game controller.
Zaynab:Right.
Yassin:The review really emphasizes that how effective games are for skill development depends on the specific skill and how the game itself is designed. You've really gotta choose the right tool for the job.
Zaynab:So it's about finding the right game for the right skill.
Yassin:Exactly. It's not one size fits all. Just like you wouldn't use a hammer to saw wood, we need to be smart about which game mechanics and designs are best for developing certain skills in health care professionals.
Zaynab:So we've talked about skills and knowledge, but what about the fun factor? I mean, games are supposed to be fun. Right? Did they look at whether these games actually make learning more enjoyable for these health care professionals?
Yassin:Oh, absolutely. Yeah. This review really digs into the learner's experience. Mhmm. Going beyond just, you know, can they do the thing?
Yassin:Can they remember the thing? But how did these games make them feel? Right. Are they more engaged? Are they more satisfied with the learning process?
Yassin:Because those things matter.
Zaynab:Yeah. Nobody wants to be stuck with a boring lecture. Games, on the other hand, at least they have the potential to make even the toughest topics kind of fun.
Yassin:Exactly. And the review found that learners were consistently more satisfied with game based learning compared to those traditional methods.
Zaynab:Okay. Makes sense. But how does that enjoyment translate to, you know, real world impact?
Yassin:Well, one study that caught my eye looked at a game designed to help students prepare for their first time in the operating room.
Zaynab:Woah. Talk about pressure. I can't even imagine. That's gotta be nerve wracking.
Yassin:Absolutely. Yeah. And what they found was the game actually led to a measurable increase in the students' feelings of preparedness and confidence.
Zaynab:So it's like going from, oh my god. I'm gonna be in the OR to feeling like, okay. I got this. I can do this.
Yassin:Right. And that shift in mindset is huge.
Zaynab:Yeah. That's amazing. So it's about more than just the technical stuff. It's like building their confidence, shaping their professional attitudes.
Yassin:It really speaks to the potential of games to create a much more holistic learning experience
Zaynab:Right.
Yassin:Where it's not just about cramming information, but about preparing these health care professionals on multiple levels.
Zaynab:Totally. So with all this positive feedback, are we ready to declare games the winner? Ditch the textbooks. Everyone gets a game console.
Yassin:Hold your horses. While the potential here is super exciting, we gotta remember, this research is still relatively new. The review, as comprehensive as it is, really highlights that we need more research, especially those long term studies, to see how these learning experiences translate into lasting benefits.
Zaynab:Okay. So we need to see the long game, how this plays out over time.
Yassin:Exactly. We're just scratching the surface of what's possible with games and gamification and health care training. There's so much more to explore as we refine these tools and really push the boundaries of how we think about learning.
Zaynab:So it's not about crowning a victor. It's more about this journey of discovery.
Yassin:Precisely. Every study, every finding at all adds to a deeper understanding of how we can harness the power of games to create a truly effective, engaging, and ultimately impactful learning experience in health care.
Zaynab:This has really got me thinking. We've been talking about using games for, you know, med school residency, that kind of formal education.
Yassin:Where a lot of the structured learning happens.
Zaynab:Yeah. Right. Exactly. But what about once you're out there in the field dealing with everything health care throws at you? How do you keep learning and stay on top of things?
Yassin:You're hitting on something really important, and it highlights a key point from this whole research review. It's not just about what we know now, but about asking those what if questions and pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible.
Zaynab:Okay. So it's like this review is a level up in itself, making us think bigger and bolder about the possibilities.
Yassin:Exactly. Imagine instead of those mandatory, let's face it, sometimes kinda boring continuing education courses, What if we had these engaging game based platforms that made staying current in your field feel like while playing a game?
Zaynab:Sign me up. I'd much rather level up my skills and knowledge in a game than sit through another dry lecture.
Yassin:Right. And don't underestimate the power of fun. It can be a huge motivator, especially in a demanding field like health care where burnout is a real concern. Finding ways to make learning both effective and engaging is crucial.
Zaynab:It's like that saying, find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life. Maybe we can rethink continuing education with that same idea. Make it something people actually wanna do.
Yassin:Now you're talking. And who knows? Maybe our next deep dive will explore those very approaches, but until then
Zaynab:Sounds like we've got a challenge for our listeners. How can we take this incredible potential of serious games and make it work for ongoing professional development? Hit us up with your thoughts and keep on gaming, for your brain and for your patients, of course.