Escape room as a novel team-based activity during residency selection in anaesthesiology

Residency selection in anaesthesiology traditionally relies on curriculum vitae review, work-based assessments, and behavioural interviews which may not adequately capture non-academic attributes. Emerging evidence suggests team-based assessments may offer a more dynamic evaluation of such qualities. This study explores the feasibility and acceptability of an escape room in Anaesthesiology residency selection and evaluates its potential to provide additional insights into candidate ranking.

In this pilot study, 26 candidates completed a team-based escape room activity assessing situational awareness, task management, and communication. Evaluations were conducted via customised rubric based on Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) domains, alongside traditional interviews. Escape room, interviews, and department survey scores were correlated with the final rank order list (ROL) using Spearman's coefficient. Candidate and panel feedback were collected post activity.

The candidates rated the escape room as part of the selection process positively. The panel feedback was generally supportive, though some suggested improving consistency and ease of evaluation. Interview (r = 0.603, P = 0.001) and survey scores (r = 0.921, P < 0.001) correlated strongly with the ROL, while escape room scores demonstrated a weak correlation (r = 0.244, P = 0.229). The lack of correlation likely reflects the low weight assigned to the escape room, consistent with its role as a complementary assessment, without implying direct impact on final ranking. Weak correlations with interview (r = 0.197, P = 0.334) and survey scores (r = 0.172, P = 0.400) suggest it may capture complementary attributes not assessed by traditional methods.

Escape rooms offer a novel approach to assessing non-academic attributes in residency selection, though further refinement is needed for consistent application.