Engaging Perioperative Learners Using Online game-based Education

Nurse educators may experience challenges (eg, distracted learners, inability to provide immediate feedback) when teaching in a classroom setting. Further, the perioperative workforce is multigenerational-younger staff members may have started using technology on a daily basis at a young age, so they may become distracted during traditional lectures and not retain important information. Online game-based learning (GBL) platforms are one technological solution that perioperative educators can use to maintain student engagement and foster learning. Educators at an academic medical center used an online GBL platform to develop presentations on instrument sterilization and surgical attire with sterile technique. At the conclusion of the sessions, the participants submitted surveys evaluating the teaching method. The survey results showed that the respondents found the GBL program to be a fun and positive interactive learning experience. Nurse educators should consider using this type of technology to improve participation and knowledge retention when developing educational programs.