RheumQuest: A Gamified Approach to Musculoskeletal Education
Rob A Yates1, Katherine E Twist2, Brian P Higgins3
1Medical Student, University of Kentucky College of Medicine.
Mededportal : the Journal of Teaching and Learning Resources
|March 27, 2026
Summary
RheumQuest, a novel board game, improved medical students' knowledge and confidence in musculoskeletal diagnosis and management. This engaging, cost-effective educational tool enhances learning outcomes in medical training.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Rheumatology
- Game-Based Learning
Background:
- Traditional musculoskeletal education faces challenges.
- Gaps exist in applying clinical presentations to diagnosis and management.
- Medical students require dynamic learning tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate RheumQuest, a flashcard-style board game.
- To enhance medical students' application of clinical knowledge in musculoskeletal medicine.
- To assess the impact of game-based learning on student confidence and knowledge.
Main Methods:
- RheumQuest was implemented as a 1-hour formative session during an internal medicine clerkship.
- Third-year medical students participated in competitive small-group sessions using the game.
- Pre- and post-session surveys and a multiple-choice test assessed knowledge and confidence.
Main Results:
- Medical knowledge scores increased significantly (p = .009).
- Student confidence in pharmacology, diagnosis, and management improved post-session (p < .001).
- High student satisfaction was reported through qualitative analysis.
Conclusions:
- RheumQuest effectively enhanced student knowledge and confidence in musculoskeletal diagnosis, pharmacology, and management.
- The intervention is cost-effective, scalable, and replicable for other institutions.
- Game-based learning offers a dynamic approach to musculoskeletal medical education.
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