Enhancing Critical Thinking through a Virtual Unfolding Maternity Escape Room Activity

Abstract

Background

Research suggests escape rooms in nursing education may provide students with an opportunity to build learning. However, limited literature is provided focusing on specialty nursing such as maternal-neonatal health. This quality improvement project explored the impact of an unfolding maternity virtual escape room on junior level nursing student's critical thinking.

Method

The Yoons Critical Thinking Disposition Tool was used to measure pre and posttest scores with a sample of 38 students.

Results

The Wilcoxon Signed Rank test determined that there was improvement in critical thinking with an increase in median scores. Total score and three out of the seven subscales revealed statistical significance. Students also positively evaluated the activity.

Conclusion

A virtual escape room as a review activity in a maternity course provides an opportunity for students to apply information learned throughout the course in an innovative approach. Further research is needed to determine the impact of this activity.