title: Game-based versus traditional case-based learning: comparing effectiveness in stroke continuing medical education.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate family physicians' enjoyment of and knowledge gained from game-based learning, compared with traditional case-based learning, in a continuing medical education (CME) event on stroke prevention and management.
  
  
  METHODS
  An equivalence trial to determine if game-based learning was as effective as case-based learning in terms of attained knowledge levels. Game questions and small group cases were developed. Participants were randomized to either a game-based or a case-based group and took part in the event.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ontario provincial family medicine conference.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-two family physicians and 3 senior family medicine residents attending the conference.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participation in either a game-based or a case-based CME learning group.
  
  
  METHODS
  Scores on 40-item immediate and 3-month posttests of knowledge and a satisfaction survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results from knowledge testing immediately after the event and 3 months later showed no significant difference in scoring between groups. Participants in the game-based group reported higher levels of satisfaction with the learning experience.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Games provide a novel way of organizing CME events. They might provide more group interaction and discussion, as well as improve recruitment to CME events. They might also provide a forum for interdisciplinary CME. Using games in future CME events appears to be a promising approach to facilitate participant learning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Toronto East General Hospital, and Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 840 Coxwell Ave, Suite 105, Toronto, ON M4C 5T2. deanna.telner@utoronto.ca
authors.forename: Deanna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Telner
authors.forename: Maja
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bujas-Bobanovic
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Bob
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Chester
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Marlow
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Meuser
authors.forename: Arthur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rothman
authors.forename: Bart
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Harvey
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D005717:Games, Experimental; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013192:Staff Development; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires