How to Play a Game Properly - Enhancing Obstetrics and Gynecology Education through Gamification: A Scoping Review

Background Effective healthcare relies on well-trained professionals, and the quality of their training is dependent on appropriate learning methods and assessment techniques. Gamification, the use of game mechanics in non-game environments, has emerged as a promising strategy in medical education. This review explores the applicability and effectiveness of gamification in obstetrics and gynecology education. Methods Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Medline databases from January to March 2023. The search terms included "medical students OR residents OR physicians OR midwives AND games OR educational games OR serious games AND gynecology OR obstetrics". The inclusion criteria encompassed studies published in English or German from 1990 to March 2023, focusing on gamification in gynecology and obstetrics education. Data extraction and analysis were structured using the PICOS framework. Results The review identified various studies demonstrating the effectiveness of gamification in obstetrics and gynecology education. Gaming shows like Jeopardy significantly boosted knowledge retention and engagement. VR technologies, such as Second Life, enhanced emergency and surgical training. Improvisational games improved empathy skills, though requiring reinforcement. Video games and laparoscopy trainers showed promise in enhancing surgical skills, with gamers performing better in initial tasks. Custom-developed games like Play and Learn for Surgeons significantly improved procedural skills. Discussion Gamification in obstetrics and gynecology education boosts learner engagement, knowledge retention, and practical skills. VR technologies and video games are effective for surgical training, while custom games can enhance specific procedural skills. Further research is needed to optimize and integrate gamification strategies into standard curricula, offering a modern approach to equip healthcare professionals with essential skills and knowledge.