1105 - Escape Room: A "HOT" New Way to Engage Learners

Learning Outcome: This activity aims to increase readiness, early recognition, and effective response to an unexpected perioperative event.

Overview/Abstract: Traditional education methods such as just-in-time rounding, tabletop discussions, and mock codes are valuable but may limit participation or scheduling flexibility.

This interactive escape room offers an alternative learning approach that can be completed individually or in small groups at the convenience of the team’s schedule. Clear objectives are provided in advance, and a structured debrief with opportunities for discussion and questions follows completion of the activity.

Will you recognize the warning signs and intervene before time runs out?

Description of Current State: Infrequent clinical events can lead to variability in recognition, role clarity, and response confidence. When exposure is limited, team members may be less familiar with processes, resources, or time-sensitive interventions.

Description of Desired/Achievable State: Participants will be able to recognize subtle changes in patient status, identify appropriate interventions, locate and mobilize available resources and communicate effectively within an interdisciplinary team.

Audience Engagement: To promote engagement, 2–3 volunteers will complete the escape room scenario. Observers are encouraged to participate in the facilitated debrief discussion that follows, allowing for shared learning and clarification of key concepts.

Additional Information: The escape room activity and debrief require approximately 20 minutes, followed by a 5–10 minute implementation discussion. 45 minute sign-up intervals allow adequate time for reset between groups.

Content/Topics: Recognition of evolving clinical indicators, team communication and role clarity, resource identification and mobilization, time-sensitive task implementation, and application within participants’ own practice environments.