Reflecting on Gamification in Neonatal Education at the 30th Annual Cool Topics in Neonatology Conference
Reflecting on My Talk about Gamification in Neonatal Education at the 30th Annual Cool Topics in Neonatology Conference
In March 2024, I had the honor of speaking at the 30th Annual Cool Topics in Neonatology Conference in San Diego, where I delved into the transformative potential of gamification in neonatal education—particularly through RETAIN Games. It was an incredible experience to engage with a passionate group of professionals and explore how serious games can address critical challenges in neonatal resuscitation.
The Challenges of Neonatal Resuscitation
Neonatal resuscitation is an inherently high-stress process. The fast-paced, high-stakes nature of these situations often leads to distractions, deviations from established algorithms, and unfortunately, medical errors. These mistakes can result in poor patient outcomes, including preventable newborn deaths. According to a Sentinel Report from the Joint Commission, 66% of newborn deaths during resuscitation are attributed not to failures in technical skills—such as mask ventilation or chest compressions—but to breakdowns in non-technical skills. These non-technical skills include decision-making, communication, and teamwork, which are critical to performing successful neonatal resuscitations.
This is where the concept of gamification in neonatal education becomes vital. By incorporating elements of serious games, such as those developed by RETAIN, we can target these non-technical skill gaps in a meaningful and engaging way.
How RETAIN Games Help Transform Learning
During my presentation, I discussed the powerful role that serious games can play in education and training. RETAIN Games are designed with immersive narratives, engaging mechanics, and immediate feedback loops that make learning both effective and enjoyable. These games leverage core elements of gamification—such as competition, goals, rewards, and problem-solving—to create a training environment that not only engages users but also enhances their ability to retain critical knowledge and skills.
One of the key advantages of serious games like RETAIN is their focus on improving non-technical skills. By simulating real-life neonatal resuscitation scenarios, RETAIN Games allow learners to practice decision-making, communication, and teamwork in a low-risk environment. This experiential learning is vital in reducing the number of errors and deviations from resuscitation algorithms, ultimately improving outcomes for newborns.
Research and Feedback
During my talk, I highlighted research showing that serious games have been proven to improve knowledge retention for up to 5-6 months, making them an ideal tool for ongoing training. This is crucial in neonatal resuscitation, where ensuring that skills are not just learned but maintained over time can make the difference between life and death in emergency situations.
The feedback I received from the conference was overwhelmingly positive. It is clear that integrating gamification into neonatal education resonates deeply with healthcare professionals who are eager for new tools to enhance learning and retention. The emotional design of RETAIN Games, paired with interactive elements and real-time feedback, helps create a more effective and engaging learning experience. Many attendees expressed excitement about the potential of serious games to transform neonatal resuscitation training and significantly improve patient outcomes.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to develop and refine RETAIN Games, I am excited about their potential to make a real impact in neonatal care. The collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment to improving outcomes for newborns at the Cool Topics in Neonatology Conference was truly inspiring. I am grateful to everyone who attended my talk and contributed to the lively discussions around this important topic.
Thank you for your continued dedication to advancing neonatal care, and I look forward to what’s next as we explore new ways to integrate gamification into education and training for healthcare professionals.
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