Rheum4Games: A Game-Based Board Review to Enhance Confidence and Knowledge in Rheumatology for Internal Medicine Residents.
Publication Title
MedEdPORTAL
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2026
Keywords
Humans; Rheumatology; Internal Medicine; Internship and Residency; Clinical Competence; Educational Measurement; Curriculum; Surveys and Questionnaires; Games, Experimental; ame-based Learning; Games; Internal Medicine; Rheumatology; Team-Based Learning.; oregon; ppmc
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Internal Medicine (IM) residents have typically scored low on the rheumatology component of the In-Training Exam (ITE). While structured rheumatology electives can improve outcomes, these experiences are not always required. Interest in the role of gamification is growing, though application in the rheumatology component of the ITE remains underexplored. We developed a gamified rheumatology board review session to assess whether incorporating gamification into existing didactic curricula could improve ITE scores and enhance resident satisfaction.
METHODS: We developed Rheum4Games (R4G) based on preexisting rules of the Snakes and Ladders board game. In total, 121 residents across 5 IM residencies participated over 12 sessions. Questions were developed using the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) blueprint. We measured resident engagement, satisfaction, and confidence using pre- and postsession surveys. Rheumatology ITE scores were compared pre- and postsession utilizing Mann-Whitney U tests.
RESULTS: R4G improved residents' (
DISCUSSION: While overall ITE score changes were not statistically significant, community-based programs showed statistically significant improvements compared to university programs. These findings suggest gamification can enhance rheumatology education and may serve as a valuable supplement to traditional didactics, especially in settings where traditional rheumatology teaching resources are limited.
Area of Special Interest
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Specialty/Research Institute
Rheumatology
Specialty/Research Institute
Orthopedics
Specialty/Research Institute
Internal Medicine
DOI
10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11597
