Journal of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems
Open Access

Abstract

Gamification as a Learning Method in Pharmacy Education

Mohammad S Shawaqfeh

Background: Collaborative learning through gamification can assist students in developing knowledge building and interpersonal skills, as well as help improve comprehension and confidence. Various studies have shown that incorporating games into healthcare education can be beneficial and enhance students’ engagement in learning. Objective: To conduct a systematic review, in order to determine the effects of implementing educational games into the pharmacy curriculum. Methods: We performed a systematic review through the Embase and Mendeley databases, limiting our search terms to pharmacy, education and games. Studies included students from various healthcare professions, such as pharmacy, medical, nursing and psychology fields. We then categorized our findings based on the different types of educational games to assess the potential benefits in implementing these strategies into pharmacy education. Results: We preselected a total of 50 articles, separated 15 duplicates, and then analyzed 11 articles, which were full-text articles relevant to the topic. Conclusion: Gamification in healthcare education can improve and evaluate the integration of knowledge, comprehension and confidence. Although some students believed that the games did not affect their overall grades, the majority of the students felt they were more engaged and had more preparedness and confidence for real life scenarios as a result of participating in the different educational games.