Innovative Escape Room Experience Enhances Medical Training for PA Students

Medical education takes an exciting turn as Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University introduces an interactive escape room experience designed to make learning more engaging and impactful. On February 28, Physician Assistant (PA) students participated in a unique training session that merges critical thinking, teamwork and real-world medical skills.

This innovative approach transformed a traditional learning environment into an urgent care clinic simulation. Students split into two groups, each entering identical escape rooms to ensure smaller, more intimate learning experiences. A 15-minute pre-briefing set the stage, offering insights into the patient scenario and outlining expectations.

Inside the escape rooms—simulated as standard exam rooms—students collaborated to take a comprehensive patient history, performed physical examinations, and analyzed clues to form a diagnosis. They were required to order appropriate lab tests and diagnostics, working together to “escape” the room by accurately diagnosing the patient.

The case scenario featured a 12-year-old cognitively impaired male presenting with a high fever lasting eight days. Through careful examination and chart reviews, students uncovered signs of sepsis due to pressure ulcers, ultimately revealing a case of abuse and neglect. Once the correct diagnosis was made, the team “escaped”, and the patient was hypothetically sent to the ER for urgent treatment.

A debriefing session followed, where students discussed the plan of care, including treatment protocols for sepsis and the critical responsibilities healthcare providers hold in suspected abuse or neglect cases. Topics included mandated reporting, engaged social work and case management, contacting law enforcement and proper EMR documentation.

To enhance learning, the Simulation Education Training Hospital (SETH) recorded the sessions, allowing students to review their performance, reflect on decision-making processes, and identify areas for improvement.

“This escape room scenario offers PA students a safe, controlled environment to tackle complex, real-world medical situations,” said Tara Milligan, PA clinical coordinator. “By engaging in this hands-on experience, students will not only strengthen their diagnostic skills but also gain valuable exposure to the sensitive and critical process of identifying and managing abuse and neglect cases.”

This pioneering approach aims to better prepare future healthcare providers for the challenges they may face in emergency and urgent care settings, ensuring they have both the clinical skills and ethical awareness needed to provide comprehensive patient care.