Mechanisms of Flow Regulation in a Novel Digital Serious Game for Rehearsing Complex Medical Subjects

The prevalence of diabetes and their complications is set to increase in line with Singapore's aging population, and the increasing complexities of medicine have left healthcare professionals beyond endocrinology reduced time or interest to seek out clinical sources of rehearsal. Despite having been taught diabetes management, knowledge not practiced fades over time, and delays or errors wrought by uncertainties may result in preventable loss of life or limb. Additionally, while many digital products exist to assist diabetes patients and caregivers, few cater to busy healthcare professionals and fewer account for differing levels of competency amongst them.

To address these needs, the study proposes the development and feasibility testing of a simulation-based diabetes management digital game incorporating a feature allowing for a human facilitator to moderate and personalise the rehearsal activity with consideration for a learner's strength and weaknesses.

The proposed mixed methods study thus presents the following aims:

Feasibility examination of the developed game intervention as an appropriate rehearsal tool for medical students

Comparing the degree of Flow (a state of total cognitive immersion in an activity) experienced by students who play the intervention with and without a facilitator