If you see nursing students at Baycrest playing a game on their smartphones
or tablets, chances are good they are using an innovative gaming app to
learn how to recognize and respond to an acute change in the condition of a
frail elderly patient and prevent a transfer to an emergency department.
Recently, 123 practical nursing students beta-tested the SOS Gaming App,
which was developed at Baycrest to enhance long-term care and avoid or
reduce unnecessary emergency room visits.
The app consists of 37 evidence-based clinical cases. In order to win, players
must recognize the critical symptom or disease pattern presented based on
their role, reflect on which systems to observe or assess, prioritize these
events, decide on immediate actions and provide a team response.
After three weeks, students who played more cases were better at
recognizing and responding to acute deterioration in a frail elderly
patient. Students found the app engaging and it enabled them to self-
assess areas for improvement, build confidence and transfer skills
to clinical practice at the bedside. Clinical instructors also observed
improved performance, communication and critical thinking skills in
students.
Development of the Sensory Observation System (SOS) app was generously
supported by Glenn and Tracie Graff, the Government of Ontario, SIM-
one Ontario Simulation Network, the Centre for Aging and Brain Health
Innovation, and Baycrest. It is a project of the Baycrest Centre for Learning,
Research & Innovation in Long-Term Care (CLRI).
Gaming app an important
learning tool for client care
(pictured above): A
practical nursing student
tests the SOS Gaming
App.
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