Pilot study of educational gaming to improve adherence to an end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring protocol

Background: End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) monitoring is an important part of patient care. Understanding and interpreting ETCO2 wavelengths can be a challenge. This pilot study explored the efficacy of a novel approach to educating clinicians on ETCO2 monitoring via game theory. Method: A video game application for ETCO2 monitoring was developed. Clinicians were encouraged to play the game over a 3-month period. Compliance with the ETCO2 protocol was compared in a random selection of patients admitted before, during, and after the intervention. Results: Thirty-eight clinicians completed the pre-and posttest, with a significant difference in test scores (p =. 03). The intervention was associated with higher adherence to the ETCO2 protocol before and after the intervention (p <. 05). Conclusion: The availability of new technologies has created opportunities to develop new approaches to educate clinicians. This study showed that the use of a game improved adherence to the ETCO2 protocol.