7 - 10 Unfortunately most of these studies do not evaluate student learning or the efficacy of the games. The majority of studies describing educational health care games show students enjoy playing them. The format of educational games creates a setting that decreases student stress and facilitates student learning. The games also allow health care educators to create real-life scenarios without real-life consequences. 4 - 6 Educational games often promote higher-level discussions which help to enhance the communication, social interaction, and critical-thinking skills essential in health care. 1 - 3 When employed properly, educational games build knowledge and skills and are enjoyable for the participants and appeal to students' competitive nature, which motivates them to play the game.
Educational games have been incorporated in many fields of study to convey knowledge to students.
