Virtual Interactive Puzzle Escape Room (VIPER) : Medication Administration Series

Abstract

Medication errors are a leading cause of injury in healthcare, with a global cost associated with medication errors estimated at $42 billion annually (WHO, 2019). Investments in educational resources targeted to reduce medication errors can lead to significant financial savings and more importantly, better patient outcomes. The Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI), the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN), and the Canadian Alliance of Nurse Educators using Simulation (CAN-Sim) members have identified this as a resource in high demand. The VIPER projected successfully created an innovative method to successfully deliver Escape Room pedagogy in a virtual and physically distanced format. Each Viper provides multiple opportunities for learners to apply fundamental nursing and health provider knowledge and skills, which include medication administration, dosage calculation, patient safety principles, infection control, patient education, communication, and advocacy within a low-stakes learning environment. Learners are engaged by using interactive multimedia learning strategies to reinforce learning and support safe practice. The Virtual Interactive Puzzle Escape Room (VIPER) nursing project consists of three bilingual VIPER e-learning modules (English and French). VIPER game topics include: (1) Non-parenteral Medication Administration (Pediatric) (Novice); (2) Medication Titration (Blood Transfusion) (Intermediate); and (3) Parenteral Medication Administration (Insulin Infusion) (Advanced).