Perceived effectiveness of an innovative mobile‐based serious game on the improvement of soft skills in minimally invasive surgical training

Abstract

Introduction Soft skills have a pertinent role for the quality and efficient outcomes in minimally invasive surgical procedures that are difficult to practice due to time constraints, limited resources, and other logistical reasons. The literature says that serious games serve as better resources for learning soft skills but needs evaluation from stakeholders. This study explores the perceived effectiveness of serious gaming intervention as a learning tool to improve communication, collaborative skills among the residents in surgery, house officers and junior doctors. Method A total of nine participants volunteered to take part in the exploratory study. During the study, the participants responded to a pre‐test quiz, followed by exploration of the game and a post‐test quiz. The perceived perceptions on the effectiveness of the gaming intervention were collected on a five‐point Likert scale questionnaire with open‐ended questions. Results There was no significant difference in pre‐test and post‐test scores on communication and collaborative skills. Among the three themes, there was significant effect of usefulness of the application of improvement of soft skills (90% response); however, technicalities should be addressed (50% of responses). The qualitative feedback renders that, better graphics, tutorial run, user‐friendly interface and controls, and enhanced 3D environment would enhance the efficacy of the prototype. Conclusion An innovative mobile‐based serious gaming intervention was developed and tested for its effectiveness as a resource to develop soft skills among surgeons in training. The results indicate that gamified interventions can serve as educational resources and supplement the self‐directed learning in surgical education.

The Effects of Serious Games on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training and Education: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…Serious games are increasingly used in medical education, encompassing medical theory instruction, clinical skills training, cognitive rehabilitation exercises, and patient health education. The integration of serious games into medical simulation programs is seen as a means to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of training programs [ 15 , 16 ]. Otero-Agra et al [ 17 ] used serious games to instruct middle school students in CPR, revealing that 61.7% of participants acquired correct CPR techniques, with 93.4% achieving an average chest compression depth exceeding 50 mm.…”

SCHEMA: A Process for the Creation and Evaluation of Serious Games—A Systematic Review towards Sustainability

“…In this booming framework, and at a time when education is looking for new and inclusive languages, educational video games (also known as serious games) are postulated as a suitable alternative to contribute to the progress of education towards new methodologies, becoming an effective medium [24] for the transmission of educational content. Game-based learning has numerous advantages regarding the format itself, aligning with the course of the younger generations and improving students' engagement in the teaching process [25].…”