The Use of Gamified Escape Room Simulation to Improve Knowledge and Confidence in Nurse Anesthesia Residents Preparing for Clinical Practice
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
DNP-NA
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
DNP-NA
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. TIffany Eye
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
The evolution of simulation in healthcare drives a continuous search for creative ways to incorporate simulation across various educational levels. Purpose: This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an escape room style simulation in enhancing knowledge acquisition and boosting confidence among nurse anesthesia residents. Methods: The project used a single group with a pretest-posttest design to evaluate the effectiveness of the escape room simulation on knowledge and self-reported confidence. Participants consisted of a group of twenty four second-year nurse anesthesia residents at Murray State University. Results: Mean knowledge scores increased from 13 (SD 1.72) to 14.04 (SD 1.04) out of a total possible score of 15. Mean confidence scores increased in all three categories evaluated out of a total possible score of 25 per section: anesthesia machine increased from 17.04 (SD 3.56) to 22.38 (SD 1.91), spinal anesthetic from 14.46 (SD 3.23) to 21.38 (SD 3.09), and anesthetic assessment from 16.96 (SD 4.10) to 22.54 (SD 2.34). Conclusion: The escape room simulation demonstrated statistically significant improvements in participant knowledge and clinical confidence, reinforcing the theory that gamified simulation experiences can positively influence educational outcomes.
Keywords: escape room, nurse anesthesia residents, simulation in healthcare, clinical confidence, gamified simulation
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Nurse Anesthesia DNP Project Presentations
The Use of Gamified Escape Room Simulation to Improve Knowledge and Confidence in Nurse Anesthesia Residents Preparing for Clinical Practice
The evolution of simulation in healthcare drives a continuous search for creative ways to incorporate simulation across various educational levels. Purpose: This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an escape room style simulation in enhancing knowledge acquisition and boosting confidence among nurse anesthesia residents. Methods: The project used a single group with a pretest-posttest design to evaluate the effectiveness of the escape room simulation on knowledge and self-reported confidence. Participants consisted of a group of twenty four second-year nurse anesthesia residents at Murray State University. Results: Mean knowledge scores increased from 13 (SD 1.72) to 14.04 (SD 1.04) out of a total possible score of 15. Mean confidence scores increased in all three categories evaluated out of a total possible score of 25 per section: anesthesia machine increased from 17.04 (SD 3.56) to 22.38 (SD 1.91), spinal anesthetic from 14.46 (SD 3.23) to 21.38 (SD 3.09), and anesthetic assessment from 16.96 (SD 4.10) to 22.54 (SD 2.34). Conclusion: The escape room simulation demonstrated statistically significant improvements in participant knowledge and clinical confidence, reinforcing the theory that gamified simulation experiences can positively influence educational outcomes.
Keywords: escape room, nurse anesthesia residents, simulation in healthcare, clinical confidence, gamified simulation