Fostering Competencies: A Scoping Review of Escape Rooms in Medical Education

Escape rooms are used in medical education to encourage teaming and communication skills, but their effectiveness beyond learner satisfaction remains unexplored. This review evaluated their educational value, focusing on alignment with ACGME core competencies. Following the PRISMA framework, a scoping review was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and ERIC through mid-September 2023, excluding commentaries, editorials, and letters. The review included 35 studies, mostly single-institution studies, with various methodologies. Most aligned with competencies in interpersonal and communication skills and systems-based practice, with increased virtual formats during COVID-19 pandemic. High learner satisfaction was noted. Escape rooms effectively foster teamwork and communication in medical education. Further research is needed on knowledge retention and application.