Co-designing an educational escape room: Integrating the knowledge and perspective of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with the design of an educational activity for healthcare students

Abstract

Introduction: Healthcare students undertaking placements in the Northern Territory come from many different universities. Having previously and successfully used an educational escape room to teach students about interprofessional practice and teamwork, we aimed to co-design a new escape room activity with a scenario that would support students on their cultural learning journey. Methods: There were three stages involved in the development of the escape room session: 1) train Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to facilitate a consultative workshop, 2) design and deliver a consultative workshop that enabled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants to contribute to, and decide on, the new escape room scenario and learning objectives and 3) develop the complete educational activity, including props, session plan and evaluation. Each stage was evaluated by both participants and researchers to ensure that it aligned with the core ethical values of spirit and integrity, cultural continuity, equity, reciprocity, respect and responsibility. The final education session was trialled and reviewed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants providing feedback and ensuring the integrity of the co-design. Outcomes and evaluation: Each of the project objectives were met, with the final educational escape room being offered to students undertaking a healthcare placement in Darwin. Conclusion: The co-design process took significant time and effort but meant responsible and responsive engagement, which strengthened relationships, provided opportunities for skill development and produced an educational session that will continue to improve healthcare students’ understanding of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.