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

ABSTRACT

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.