Introduction Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a high-risk, low-frequency intervention requiring specialized training and effective teamwork, for which simulation-based training is a valuable tool. Across medical disciplines escape room-style simulations have been developed to enhance teamwork and engagement among learners. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study at a large academic medical center to evaluate the feasibility and educational impact of an escape room–style ECMO simulation. Thirty-seven nurses completed the escape room simulation. Teamwork was assessed with the Clinical Teamwork Scale (CTS), and effectiveness with the Simulation Effectiveness Tool (SET-M). Results Observer-rated CTS scores for overall teamwork (r = −0.76), communication (r = −0.52), and decision-making (r = −0.55) correlated negatively with completion time, suggesting that stronger teamwork was associated with greater efficiency. Participant self-ratings were significantly higher than observer ratings across most domains ( p < 0.01), and showed positive correlations with completion times. SET-M results indicated high satisfaction, with all participants reporting improved ECMO knowledge and skills, though prebriefing and debriefing received lower ratings. Conclusions These findings support escape room–style simulations as a feasible and engaging approach to ECMO education, with external observation playing a key role in assessing teamwork. Future studies should focus on structured briefing, randomized team assignments, and multidisciplinary cohorts to enhance generalizability and learning outcomes.
Vidovich et al. (Thu,) studied this question.