Critical thinking gamification in medical education

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Professions Education
• Digital Health

Background:

• Innovative approaches are crucial for advancing health and medical education.
• Gamification enhances engagement and knowledge acquisition in medical training.
• Critical thinking is vital for accurate medical decisions and improved patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a critical thinking game for pediatric medical students.
• To improve clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills through simulated cases.
• To assess the game's impact on engagement, learning, and decision-making.

Main Methods:

• A web-based, multiplayer critical thinking game simulating realistic clinical cases was developed.
• Medical students (n=100) participated in a pilot study using randomized clinical scenarios.
• Gameplay involved teams diagnosing cases against the clock, with expert pediatrician moderation.
• Surveys and objective metrics assessed critical thinking, engagement, usability, and performance.

Main Results:

• The game served as a valuable supplement to traditional training, enhancing diagnostic synthesis and problem-solving.
• Students reported increased motivation, teamwork, and confidence in decision-making.
• Objective data confirmed platform reliability, active participation, and meaningful interactions that improved clinical reasoning.

Conclusions:

• The game effectively enhances analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and clinical judgment in medical students.
• Gamified, interactive scenarios prepare practitioners for complex pediatric care challenges.
• Pilot results indicate high engagement and improved diagnostic accuracy, supporting clinical reasoning development.