Game-based versus traditional case-based learning: comparing effectiveness in stroke continuing medical education.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate family physicians' enjoyment of and knowledge gained from game-based learning, compared with traditional case-based learning, in a continuing medical education (CME) event on stroke prevention and management. DESIGN: An equivalence trial to determine if game-based learning was as effective as case-based learning in terms of attained knowledge levels. Game questions and small group cases were developed. Participants were randomized to either a game-based or a case-based group and took part in the event. SETTING: Ontario provincial family medicine conference. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-two family physicians and 3 senior family medicine residents attending the conference. INTERVENTION: Participation in either a game-based or a case-based CME learning group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Scores on 40-item immediate and 3-month posttests of knowledge and a satisfaction survey. RESULTS: Results from knowledge testing immediately after the event and 3 months later showed no significant difference in scoring between groups. Participants in the game-based group reported higher levels of satisfaction with the learning experience. CONCLUSION: Games provide a novel way of organizing CME events. They might provide more group interaction and discussion, as well as improve recruitment to CME events. They might also provide a forum for interdisciplinary CME. Using games in future CME events appears to be a promising approach to facilitate participant learning.