Gamification: An Innovative Approach to Reinforce Clinical Knowledge for MD-PhD Students During Their PhD Research...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Dual-Degree Training
• Gamification in Medicine

Background:

• MD-PhD students face clinical knowledge loss during research training.
• Existing methods for maintaining clinical competence lack quantitative assessment.
• There is a need for innovative tools to support dual-degree medical trainees.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and optimize an online game platform for MD-PhD students.
• To assess the platform's effectiveness in maintaining clinical knowledge.
• To evaluate the impact of gamification on knowledge retention during research training.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-three MD-PhD students participated in an online game platform.
• The study included preliminary and competition rounds over several weeks.
• Daily reminders were used to improve player engagement.

Main Results:

• Initial participation declined but improved significantly after implementing daily reminders.
• Average participation in competition rounds exceeded 35% of students.
• Game performance correlated positively with participation and progress in the MD-PhD program, indicating knowledge retention.

Conclusions:

• Gamification is an effective strategy to combat clinical knowledge loss in MD-PhD students.
• The online game platform demonstrated positive engagement and knowledge acquisition.
• This approach offers a valuable tool for medical institutions to support dual-degree trainees.