Escaping the Lecture: Gamification in Anatomy & Physiology for Novice Nurse Anesthesia Residents

# Background Expert knowledge of anatomy and physiology (A&P) is essential to the success of nurse anesthesia residents as it forms the foundation for advanced clinical reasoning and safe anesthetic management. However, residents enter programs with diverse educational and clinical backgrounds, and the dense, complex nature of A&P content can make traditional lecture-based instruction less effective. # Objective To enhance learner engagement and perceived understanding, multiple gamification instructional strategies were introduced into a first-semester A&P I course for nurse anesthesia residents. # Methods Gamified approaches were mapped to Keller’s ARCS Model of Motivational Design and integrated throughout the course. Strategies included Kahoot! for real-time quizzes, WayGround (formerly Quizizz) for post-lecture self-assessment, microlearning lecturettes, and a physiology-based escape room developed with ChatGPT assistance. Learner perceptions were measured using pre- and post-course surveys, and qualitative feedback was gathered throughout the semester. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to summarize findings. # Results Learners reported increased motivation, higher engagement, and greater enjoyment of course activities following the integration of gamified strategies. Participants expressed positive perceptions of their understanding of complex physiological content, though these findings reflect perceived rather than objectively measured retention. Faculty observations further indicated more robust discussion during gamified sessions. Challenges included time constraints and technology issues. # Conclusion Gamification represents a feasible, learner-centered approach to delivering foundational A&P content in nurse anesthesia education. While results demonstrate strong perceived benefits, future work should incorporate objective performance measures to evaluate learning outcomes more directly. Thoughtfully designed gamified strategies may help promote motivation, engagement, and learner satisfaction without compromising academic rigor.