title: Gamification in thoracic surgical education: Using competition to fuel performance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In an effort to stimulate residents and trainers to increase their use of simulation training and the Thoracic Surgery Curriculum, a gamification strategy was developed in a friendly but competitive environment.
  
  
  METHODS
  "Top Gun." Low-fidelity simulators distributed annually were used for the technical competition. Baseline and final video assessments were performed, and 5 finalists were invited to compete in a live setting from 2013 to 2015. "Jeopardy." A screening examination was devised to test knowledge contained in the Thoracic Surgery Curriculum. The top 6 2-member teams were invited to compete in a live setting structured around the popular game show Jeopardy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  "Top Gun." Over 3 years, there were 43 baseline and 34 final submissions. In all areas of assessment, there was demonstrable improvement. There was increasing evidence of simulation as seen by practice and ritualistic behavior. "Jeopardy." Sixty-eight individuals completed the screening examination, and 30 teams were formed. The largest representation came from the second-year residents in traditional programs. Contestants reported an average in-training examination percentile of 72.9. Finalists reported increased use of the Thoracic Surgery Curriculum by an average of 10 hours per week in preparation. The live competition was friendly, engaging, and spirited.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This gamification approach focused on technical and cognitive skills, has been successfully implemented, and has encouraged the use of simulators and the Thoracic Surgery Curriculum. This framework may capitalize on the competitive nature of our trainees and can provide recognition of their achievements.
authors: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash. Electronic address: mokadamn@uw.edu.
authors: Nahush A
authors: NA
authors: Mokadam
authors: Center for Comprehensive Cardiovascular Care, St Louis University, St Louis, Mo.
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Lee
authors: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex.
authors: Ara A
authors: AA
authors: Vaporciyan
authors: Heart and Vascular Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Mass.
authors: Jennifer D
authors: JD
authors: Walker
authors: Section of Thoracic Surgery, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala.
authors: Robert J
authors: RJ
authors: Cerfolio
authors: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash.
authors: Joshua L
authors: JL
authors: Hermsen
authors: CardioVascular Thoracic Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif.
authors: Craig J
authors: CJ
authors: Baker
authors: Joint Council on Thoracic Surgery Education, Inc, Chicago, Ill.
authors: Rebecca
authors: R
authors: Mark
authors: Joint Council on Thoracic Surgery Education, Inc, Chicago, Ill.
authors: Lauren
authors: L
authors: Aloia
authors: Division of Cardiac Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill.
authors: Dan H
authors: DH
authors: Enter
authors: Division of Thoracic Surgery, University of Texas-San Antonio, San Antonio, Tex.
authors: Andrea J
authors: AJ
authors: Carpenter
authors: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Mo.
authors: Marc R
authors: MR
authors: Moon
authors: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash.
authors: Edward D
authors: ED
authors: Verrier
authors: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.
authors: James I
authors: JI
authors: Fann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003071:Cognition; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D009043:Motor Activity; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D014741:Video Recording
keywords: achievement; curriculum; internship and residency; knowledge bases; learning; motivation; thoracic surgery