Teamwork and clinical judgment unlocked: Elevating health assessment with an escape room experience

Background: In the ever-changing health care field, a solid foundation of assessing clients is imperative.  The standard method of performance based head-to-toe is limited in assessing students critical thinking and clinical judgement.  An escape room utilizes innovative methods through gamification allowing students a collaborative approach to traditional learning strategies. The objectives were to promoting engagement, enhance teamwork, critical thinking and clinical judgment during performance-based checkoffs. 
Methods: The process for the escape room was determined by the purpose, and objectives. The steps included designing the escape room, writing the scenario, formulating the clues and puzzles. 
Results: A health assessment escape room was an effective modality fostering collaboration and student engagement during the final performance check-off.  This innovation was well received based on evaluations and input by students and facility.
Conclusions: A health assessment escape room enhances clinical judgement during performance checkoffs.