Continuous education and teamwork are essential for providing high quality patient care. Escape rooms are on the rise offering a mix of fun and challenge. The challenges faced during this type of activity simulate real life work pressures, making them a practical tool for improving team dynamics and reinforcing knowledge. (3)
A team of reporting radiographers at Warrington & Halton hospitals proposed and organised a radiology-based escape room. Our primary goal was to create a unique educational experience that fostered teamwork and reinforced radiological concepts through hands-on problem-solving challenges. Emphasis was placed on enhancing knowledge in image interpretation, increasing familiarity with departmental protocols and strengthening best practices.
Participation was voluntary and the staff members were divided into small teams allowing competition between the groups. The escape room took place in the training room over 2 weeks and was timed.
Multiple tasks were developed. For example,
- Image interpretation: a set of clinical scenarios was provided, radiographers needed to match the scenario to the correct x-ray to work out the code
- Limping child case studies: radiographs were provided from previous cases and the team members were asked to analyse the images, identify pathologies and consider appropriate radiographic projections
- Pin the skeleton: the radiographer was blindfolded, testing communication skills amongst the team members
There were five tasks to complete with each task revealing a combination code to unlock the corresponding jar containing a vital clue. To gain access to the safe words, the teams needed to apply all their training, knowledge and skills. Decoy images and scenarios were included to make the event more challenging.
