Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience (Oct 2021)

Neuropoly: An Educational Board Game to Facilitate Neurology Learning

  • Anton Raskurazhev,
  • Polina Kuznetsova,
  • Anastasia Evgenievna Khizhnikova,
  • Anton Klochkov,
  • Ilya Bakulin,
  • Vladislav Annushkin,
  • Marine Tanashyan,
  • Natalya Suponeva,
  • Elena Gnedovskaya

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnsys.2021.688210
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15

Abstract

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Introduction: Neurology is arguably one of the most difficult subjects to teach and study in the medical curriculum. Educational games (EG) may be a valid option to enhance motivation in neurology residents.Methods: We developed an educational board game (Neuropoly) to assist in teaching neurology. We present here an overview of the game, as well as the results of a pilot study aimed at determining: (a) the efficacy of the game in teaching certain neurological concepts; and (b) student compliance and satisfaction with the EG.Results: The pre- and post-play questionnaire scores differed significantly (3.2 ± 1.7 vs. 7.8 ± 1.6, p < 0.001). Our group of residents, showing an overwhelmingly positive response, very well received the game. The questions were rated as above average regarding difficulty.Conclusion: The “Neuropoly” educational board game has been shown to be interesting, efficient, and motivational among first- and second-year neurology residents. Novel educational methods for complex medical disciplines should be developed, with board games being a viable and inexpensive approach.

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