Randomised controlled trial of the use of an educational board game in neonatology.

Background: Games have been used in healthcare education to encourage active learning.

Aim: To investigate whether an educational board game which had been developed in the speciality of neonatology could influence the learning experience of medical students during their neonatal attachment.

Method: A randomised controlled trial of using the game was conducted amongst 67 student participants.

Results: The average final assessment score was 4.15 points higher in the group of students that played the game compared to the control group (95% CI-0.88-9.17; p = 0.09). The game was well received by the students.

Conclusion: Although we cannot conclude firmly that the game produces an effect on learning, this study suggests that educational games should be investigated further in the delivery of undergraduate learning in specialities where exposure is brief.