Gamification in Cardiothoracic Surgical Education

Gamification, the process of incorporating game elements into non-game contexts to enhance engagement and motivation, has shown promising results in various fields, including education. This article reviews a study by Arjun Puri, Stephen C. Yang, MD, and Benjamin D. Kozower, MD, MPH, which explores the application of gamification in cardiothoracic surgical education. The study conducted a comprehensive literature review to assess the potential of gamified learning methods in this specialized medical field. The primary objective was to evaluate how gamification could complement traditional didactic and Socratic teaching methods to improve trainee knowledge and skills. The study identified 11 relevant studies, highlighting both knowledge-based and skill-based games. The findings suggest that gamification can significantly enhance surgical training by leveraging intrinsic motivation, competition, and interactive learning methods, thereby contributing to better educational outcomes in cardiothoracic surgery.

The research indicates that gamification can positively impact the knowledge and skills of cardiothoracic surgery trainees. Compared to traditional teaching methods, gamified learning approaches offer a more engaging and interactive way to study complex medical concepts. For instance, knowledge-based games like "Jeopardy" have been used to prepare residents for board examinations, while skill-based games focus on surgical simulations, such as coronary anastomosis techniques. These gamified methods not only improve cognitive understanding but also enhance practical skills through repetitive, scenario-based practice.

Despite its potential, the study acknowledges several limitations, including the scarcity of extensive research specifically in cardiothoracic surgery and the resources required for implementing such programs. Furthermore, while gamification shows promise, it cannot entirely replace traditional methods but should rather be used as a supplementary tool. Future research should focus on large-scale studies to evaluate long-term outcomes and explore the integration of gamification with other innovative teaching methods. The statistical analysis of the reviewed studies revealed significant improvements in both knowledge and skill acquisition among participants engaged in gamified learning. For example, residents participating in the "Top Gun" competition demonstrated notable improvements in coronary anastomosis scores and reduced completion times. Similarly, the "Jeopardy" game showed increased examination scores and higher engagement levels among surgical residents. These findings underscore the efficacy of gamification in enhancing surgical education through interactive and competitive learning environments.

Author: Arjun Puri

Article Reference: https://www.jtcvs.org/article/S0022-5223%2824%2900273-3/fulltext

Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. Article title. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. Published online 2024. doi:10.1016/j.jtcvs.2024.06.035. Accessed July 31, 2024.