Serious Games - New for Euroanaesthesia 2022

Hands-on interactive sessions have been a key part of Euroanaesthesia for several years now. This year, a new set of interactive sessions is being introduced – ‘Serious Games’ – which are a combination of problem-based learning discussions and an escape room. They use short fun-focused games to teach clinical information and develop management skills in a non-clinical environment.

The Serious Games were developed by a passionate group of educators from the Tel Aviv Anesthesia Simulation Team (TAST) from the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center in Israel, and the Simulation Committee of EASIC. This year, these sessions will focus on obstetric and paediatric anaesthesia, and in each, a six-strong team of facilitators will use a number of specifically designed games to achieve learning objectives through fun play in a team environment.

“Each game will conclude with a debrief to reinforce the learning goals of the specific game before moving on to the next game for the case. Challenges must be solved, and debriefs completed at each level before participants may progress to the next game,” explains Dr Ruth Shaylor of the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, who is one of the facilitators for the paediatrics Serious Games sessions. “As in real life, participants will work in teams to achieve success and the learning goals.”

“As we state in the program, nothing is more serious than paediatric anaesthesia, but children are like little aliens. Different blood volumes, different drug dosages and different anatomy. By working together in a team participants will learn what makes up these tiny creatures and how to handle any emergency that comes their way. Whether you’re just starting out or are after a fun way to refresh your knowledge we will help you fit together the pieces of the puzzle and help you learn in a fun and exciting way.”

“Each session will take place over a two-hour period with up to 18 participants,” explains Prof Carolyn Weiniger, who leads the Obstetric Anaesthesia Unit at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. “The games are intended for practising anaesthesiologists of all levels who manage emergency paediatric or obstetric cases, and will focus on practical aspects of emergency management of these cases.”

Specifically on the obstetrics Serious Games sessions, Dr Elisheva Fiszer of the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center who is one of the facilitators adds: “Managing pregnant women with bleeding disorders can be a major challenge in the labour ward as they present the anaesthesiologist with diagnostic, interpretation and management challenges.”

Overall learning goals for the games are to recognise the case acuity, create a plan and discuss care conundrums associated with the case management. This pioneering methodology is geared towards anaesthesiologists of all levels who learn best through action, not just through the ears. The Serious Games will challenge participants and will develop teamwork, leadership, and decision-making skills in a novel fun learning environment.

The Serious Games will take place in a dedicated area within the Exhibition Hall, and non-participants will be able to view the activities from the outside. For more information on these new sessions, see:

https://euroanaesthesia2022.org/serious-games/

Contact: carolynfweiniger@gmail.com

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