Neonatal mortality in San Serriffe: a game for teaching survey methods

The San Serriffe Game is a simulated epidemiological research exercise for demonstrating survey methods to medical postgraduates. A computer model has been developed to simulate medical and socio-economic data relating to births and neonatal deaths on the imaginary island of Lower Caisse, San Serriffe. Participants, working in teams, are asked to investigate the extent and causes of neonatal mortality in Lower Caisse and to make recommendations which will bring about a reduction in the mortality rate. Participants are expected to implement some of the ideas learnt in parallel lecture sessions on the planning, design and analysis of survey work.