Title: Transforming Surgical Simulations: How an Escape Room is Changing Perioperative Nursing Education
Bright lights. Shiny surgical instruments. A patient ready for a standard procedure rests on the table when suddenly—an alarm shatters the sterile quiet. All eyes focus on you. What unfolds next could be crucial to life or death. But don’t fret—this isn’t a genuine medical crisis. It’s a high-tech simulation: part of the University of South Australia’s (UniSA) latest effort to revolutionize perioperative nursing education through a groundbreaking escape room experience at Calvary Adelaide Hospital.
An Innovative Educational Tool
Conceived by Dr. Michelle Freeling, Nursing and Perioperative Nursing Lecturer at UniSA, the perioperative escape room aims to authentically replicate the intense pressure and critical decision-making of the operating room—while keeping patients safe. Situated in a cutting-edge simulation operating suite, the escape room reconstructs scenarios that prompt participating nurses to exhibit critical thinking, rapid decision-making, and collaborative teamwork.
“Perioperative nursing is a field that requires nurses to act swiftly and efficiently, partnering with surgeons and anaesthetists in demanding environments,” states Dr. Freeling. “However, as surgical advancements continuously reshape the field, perioperative nurses must remain abreast of the most recent techniques and practices – this is where experiences like our escape room can assist.”
The escape room experience not only enhances clinical skills but also strengthens fundamental soft skills such as communication, leadership, and situational awareness.
Experiential Learning
In contrast to conventional classroom instruction, simulation-based learning immerses learners in realistic situations, enabling them to practice intricate patient care within a supervised environment. Throughout the escape room experience, teams of nurses collaborate to unravel intricate clinical puzzles, tackle urgent situations, and ultimately ‘escape’ the scenario by showcasing sound clinical judgment and teamwork.
“Participants will hone their skills in managing complex patient scenarios in the operating room, comprehending and reacting to perioperative emergencies, working cohesively with their team, and maintaining situational awareness, all of which are vital for success,” Dr. Freeling emphasizes.
This practical approach enhances knowledge retention, increases confidence, and equips perioperative nurses for the uncertainties that often define the surgical landscape.
Nurturing the Next Generation
The escape room is merely one facet of a wider educational initiative supported by the Calvary Scholarship Program. In collaboration with UniSA, Calvary Adelaide Hospital launched the program to facilitate professional development in the realm of perioperative nursing. Twelve scholarships have already been granted to nurses pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Nursing with a Perioperative specialization, with additional scholarships expected in the future.
Tanya Brooks, General Manager of Calvary Adelaide Hospital, notes that the scholarships and the simulation laboratory signify a strategic investment in clinical excellence and leadership.
“Delivering high-quality, safe healthcare is our foremost priority, and we’re dedicated to achieving excellence in clinical quality and patient care,” Brooks remarks. “UniSA’s perioperative nursing escape room showcases a modern, engaging, and innovative method for learning that will enhance our team’s specialized perioperative expertise while also nurturing their leadership skills, workplace culture, and exceptional person-centered care.”
A Look Ahead
As the first group of scholarship recipients embarks on their studies, the partnership between Calvary and UniSA establishes a new standard for nursing education in South Australia and beyond. By blending immersive technologies with specialized coursework, institutions like UniSA and Calvary Adelaide Hospital are motivating nurses to refine their skills and fulfill their potential in a dynamically changing healthcare environment.
In a profession where split-second decisions are crucial and teamwork can save lives, this type of progressive training ensures that perioperative nurses are not merely prepared—they’re empowered.
For those involved in perioperative care, escaping the room may just mark the start of a much more heroic journey.