Transforming Learning Through Digital Escape Room Games to Enhance Engagement and Performance

This session will present the development and integration of a digital escape room game designed to enhance engagement, problem‑solving skills, collaboration, and academic performance in a medical‑surgical nursing course. The game was integrated into a didactic classroom and evaluated through an exploratory descriptive study using validated surveys measuring problem‑solving, collaboration, and engagement, along with pre‑/post‑quizzes and open‑ended qualitative questions. Findings demonstrated significant gains in learning outcomes, with post‑quiz scores notably higher than pre‑quiz scores. Most students reported that the game was enjoyable and fun. Qualitative data indicated that the game strengthened critical thinking, supported collaborative problem‑solving, and increased motivation to learn. Students recommended incorporating additional games into the course. Integrating game‑based learning into instruction appears to increase engagement and enjoyment while reinforcing essential competencies including critical thinking and clinical reasoning. The results suggest that digital escape room games offer a scalable, evidence‑based teaching strategy with strong potential for cross‑disciplinary adoption.