(89) Decoding Education: The Power of Play

Title: Decoding Education: The Power of Play

Abstract : Traditional education becomes redundant, leading to disengagement and reduced knowledge retention. Addressing a critical need for more engaging learning methods, interactive and immersive play was integrated into required training. Literature shows that integrating play-based hands-on learning into educational experiences sparks creativity, enhances engagement, and fosters critical thinking. By revitalizing mandatory education, this innovative approach directly supports improved clinical practice, fostering quality patient outcomes.
This quality improvement project aimed to make learning more effective and enjoyable by incorporating interactive strategies such as games, simulations, and escape rooms into annual education.
A pediatric hematology/oncology leadership team recognized a need to change the delivery of required annual education based on staff feedback. Play-based learning methods were created for each education topic in 2023's annual skills fair (ASF). The activity for each education topic included: pin the supplies on the crash cart, sepsis and central line management escape room, medication administration crossword puzzle, Clostridium difficile escape room, trach mock code simulation. With staff vocalizing how much they enjoyed play-based learning, it was replicated in 2024's ASF. The activity for each education topic included: chemo spill escape room, spot the error prevention room, staff workflow idea generator, and mass transfusion mock simulation. Following 2024’s ASF a survey was sent to participants measuring learning style preference.
Implementing game-based active learning led to staff enjoying education with healthy competition, teamwork, and immersive hands-on activities. According to surveys, 98% of staff preferred this learning style over passive learning with modules or lectures and requested it for future skills fairs. With each ASF the leadership team finds areas for future improvements. Plans for 2025 include fall and transplant escape rooms and a Graft versus Host disease Taboo game. This approach underscores the importance of interactive education in maintaining high standards of care and cultivating a culture of continuous learning.