Study of an escape game as a tool for evaluating skill acquisition following a one-week training on the operating room environment for third-year medical students.

In France, medical students start their operating room rotation late, facing a complex environment. The University of Montpellier introduced the Prépa Bloc course, featuring an escape game designed to evaluate third-year students’ skills. This observational study investigates the tool’s effectiveness in competence acquisition. The 30-minute game includes nine puzzles, simulating a patient’s journey from the emergency department to surgery. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered to assess success according to educational objectives. The findings reveal varied performance levels and highlight the importance of collaboration for overall achievement. Students perceive the escape game as fun, interactive, and immersive, which enhances their understanding of operating room protocols. Gamification proves effective for evaluating knowledge and boosting engagement, providing a realistic approach to clinical scenarios.