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Education

Do-It-Yourself Meta-Simulation Gameworlds: The Learning Inter-Professionally Healthcare Accelerator (LIPHA)

Friday, June 16, 2023
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM EDT
Location: Ballroom D/E
Disclosure(s):
Raquel M. Meyer, PhD, RN: No relevant disclosure to display
Elizabeth Kelson, PhD: No financial relationships to disclose
Abstract : Scalable learning solutions to supplement clinical placements are essential to offset workforce shortages. In contrast to discrete simulations, a meta-simulation is a curated series of integrated and progressively complex simulations. Although effective, serious gameworlds - open, simulated environments with rule sets and boundaries - are limited in healthcare education. An online, asynchronous meta-simulation gameworld was designed to create a cohesive, deep learning experience and evaluated for student rehearsal of clusters of care competencies and professional socialization into a specialty area.

Theories of cognitive apprenticeship, serious games, emotional design, user experience, interprofessionalism, and the INASCL simulation standards guided the design.

LIPHA self-serve software enables the design of unlimited meta-simulation gameworlds and games. Learners select an avatar, roleplay, and complete learning quests. As they are drawn into the world, a heroic mission, and the lives of virtual patients, learners become emotionally invested. Facilitation, feedback, and debriefing are automated through: narrative arc; gameworld and interface pre-briefing; helpdesk; content gating; resources; clinical prompts; answer tips; patient insights; team consults; progress bars; and, rewards.

First-year entry-to-practice nursing, aide, and gerontology students (n=440) in Canada piloted a 20-hour gerontology meta-simulation gameworld. Over 80% were under age 35, female, with English as primary language. Nearly 30% belonged to an equity-deserving group.

Evaluation of gameplay analytics, surveys, and interviews revealed a completion rate of 87% and improved confidence in care competencies, interest in gerontology, and learning focus.

Meta-simulation gameworlds expand simulation approaches to foster deep learning of clusters of competencies and professional socialization in a specialty area.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the application of the INASCL simulation design standards to develop a meta-simulation gameworld.
  • Identify the unique gameworld features that enhance meta-simulation experiences.
  • Discuss strategies for successful meta-simulation gameworld design.