Evaluating Healthcare Simulation Escape Rooms as an Educational Tool in Nursing Continuing Education

Abstract

Background: Innovative educational strategies, such as healthcare simulation escape rooms (HSER), are increasingly used in nursing education to promote engagement and motivation in learning activities.

Purpose: This study assessed whether participation in a HSER, in addition to a standard lecture, improves knowledge acquisition compared to a lecture alone.

Methods: A two-arm randomized controlled trial compared pre- and post-test scores following a lecture (n = 51) and a lecture with a HSER (n = 44). An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to examine the differences in post-test scores, controlling for age, experience and pre-test scores.

Results: Participants in both groups showed statistically significant improvements in post-test scores. The control group gained an average of 2.27 points, and the experimental group gained 2.29 points. However, there was no significant difference between groups after adjustment.

Conclusion: HSERs did not yield greater short-term knowledge gains than a traditional lecture.