Impact of Gamification on Undergraduate Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Pedagogy: A Comprehensive Review and Quality Analysis using MERSQI

Abstract

Introduction: In the realms of physiotherapy and occupational therapy pedagogy, a notable shift towards student-centered approaches has been witnessed, with gamification emerging as a pivotal tool for fostering teaching methodology and motivating learners. This study helped to explore innovative educational gamification methods and assessed the quality of the evidence which could help in incorporating this approach in undergraduate teaching. Aim: To evaluate the impact of gamification on undergraduate pedagogy in physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Additionally, it aimed to analyse the quality of evidence of research using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) scale. Materials and Methods: Employing a systematic approach, a thorough search was conducted across various electronic databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, etc. The search strategy used a combination of keywords like: “gamification”, “physiotherapy”, etc. Quality of evidence was assessed using the MERSQI scale. A total of 679 articles were screened, ultimately leading to the inclusion of 12 studies. Results: The review included 12 Studies with 1348 Students of UG programs. Quality assessment, measured via the MERSQI scale, yielded scores ranging from 8 to 13.5 out of 18. Key gamification strategies such as Kahoot! and Escape Room puzzles were observed to significantly enhance active learning, bolster retention rates and foster critical problem-solving skills among students. Conclusion: It was found that gamification had a positive impact on the motivation, learning outcomes, and professional development of students and holds immense potential for revolutionising pedagogical practices and fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment.