Escape statistics: Evaluation of a team problem-based learning innovation

Escape rooms are live-action team-based games, where players must work together to find clues and solve puzzles to unlock doors or objects. Primarily designed for entertainment, they have demonstrated value for teambuilding and interpersonal skills development. In this study, an educational escape-box game was devised based on introductory medical statistics, designed to work within standard teaching rooms to reduce impact on resources and logistics. It aimed to identify the impact of the activity on understanding of statistical methods. An online survey gathered student feedback; students enjoyed the activity and felt it had helped with interpersonal skills development. There was some reported gain in critical thinking skills and an increase in engagement and satisfaction. The format was well-received by students as a revision tool, who found it enjoyable, challenging, and useful. The flexible, portable nature of the activity makes the resource viable for large groups without the need for dedicated facilities.This article was published open access under a CC BY licence: https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0.