Transforming Learning with ‘MedMorph’: A Structural Game Model in Undergraduate Medical Education

Background: Conventional anatomy teaching, which can rely on lectures and cadaveric dissections, is likely to encourage passive learning and minimal interaction. As the trend towards active, student-centered learning gains momentum, game-based and multimodal strategies are being considered to enhance knowledge acquisition, retention, and motivation. The MedMorph structural game model was developed to combine embodied cognition, collaboration, and interactive learning with medical education; thus, the purpose of this study was to measure the effectiveness of the MedMorph structural game model in advancing students' immediate knowledge and their attitudes toward its educational usefulness. Material and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study involving 50 first-year MBBS students as the intervention group. Pre-test measures were conducted before the intervention, and an after-test was administered immediately after the MedMorph activity. The quantitative data analysis used paired t-tests and effect sizes, whereas qualitative feedback was collected through questionnaires and structured focus group discussions. Results: The difference between post-test and pre-test performance was large, with a p-value of < 0.001 and a large effect size, indicating significant learner gains. The qualitative evidence showed that students were interested in the new approach as it was interactive and better than traditional lectures. They focused more on clearer conceptualization of anatomical structures, improved visualization, and enhanced teamwork. Certain issues regarding timing and initial reluctance were also observed, but did not outweigh the positive results. Conclusion: Student engagement and learning improvement were greatly enhanced by using the MedMorph structural game model. It has been successfully implemented in anatomy classes, but more study is required on its retention over time and extent. Keywords: Medical students, structural game model, gamification, key concepts, Anatomy education, MedMorph.