Gaming and anxiety in the nursing simulation lab: A pilot study of an escape room.

BACKGROUND

Anxiety accompanying educational simulations is a complex issue impacting nursing students and their learning. Research has provided evidence that some pre-simulation activities can increase student comfort with the simulation environment and may also reduce anxiety. Studies have also provided evidence of promising outcomes for gaming use in nursing education.

PURPOSE

This pilot study explored a medical-surgical escape room game as an introductory simulation experience for nursing students, particularly focused on determining student anxiety levels, and both faculty and student perception of the experience.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental one group pretest-posttest design was used with a convenience sample to explore student anxiety levels and perceived enjoyment of the game.

RESULTS

Student anxiety levels significantly decreased (p = .013); however, anxiety levels remained high at posttest. Students reported high enjoyment of the game and provided positive comments.

CONCLUSION

Escape rooms can provide an engaging, interactive way to teach nursing concepts in the simulation environment.