Enhancing Teaching Strategies for Newly Recruited Interns: Comparing Massive Open Online Courses, Simulation, and Escape Games

NCT07176442 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: INTERN-PEDAGOGY-TRIAL-2025
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 51
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial will compare three innovative teaching methods-Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), simulation, and escape games-among newly recruited medical interns at Ibn Sina University Hospital in Rabat, Morocco. The study aims to evaluate their effectiveness in improving knowledge of diabetic ketoacidosis management, retention of knowledge after 4 weeks, and learner motivation. Fifty-one interns will be randomly assigned to one of the three groups. Outcomes will be assessed using multiple-choice knowledge tests at baseline, immediately after training, and 4 weeks later, as well as the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory questionnaire. The results will provide evidence on the most effective and engaging approach to support induction training of new medical interns.

Conditions

Medical Education

Keywords

Medical Education; Randomized Controlled Trial; E-Learning; Simulation Training; Gamification

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Immediat Change in knowledge score on diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) MCQ

  Ten-item multiple-choice questionnaire (0-10 points) covering DKA diagnosis, severity, triggers, and initial management. Score at post-test minus pre-test; higher values indicate greater knowledge gain. Administered identically across all three arms (MOOC, Simulation, Escape Game) using the same validated items. Safety Issue: No.

  Baseline (pre-test) and immediately after the intervention (same day)

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Change in knowledge score from baseline to 4-week follow-up

  Baseline and 4 weeks after intervention

• Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) scores

  Immediately after the intervention (same day)

Study Arms (3)

MOOC (E-learning)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants complete a structured Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) hosted on Canvas. The course includes four 4-5 minute video modules on diabetic ketoacidosis, with interactive quizzes between modules.

Behavioral: MOOC (E-Learning)

Simulation

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants take part in a high-fidelity simulation session using a mannequin programmed for diabetic ketoacidosis management. Each session is followed by a structured debriefing led by the instructor.

Behavioral: Simulation Training

Escape Game

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants join a 30-minute educational escape game with 10 puzzles that guide them through the diagnosis and management of diabetic ketoacidosis. The activity emphasizes collaboration and problem-solving.

Behavioral: Educational Escape Game

Interventions

MOOC (E-Learning) BEHAVIORAL

Participants complete a structured Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) hosted on Canvas. The course includes four 4-5 minute video modules on diabetic ketoacidosis, with interactive quizzes between modules.

MOOC (E-learning)

Simulation Training BEHAVIORAL

Participants take part in a high-fidelity simulation session using a mannequin programmed for diabetic ketoacidosis management. Each session is followed by a structured debriefing led by the instructor.

Simulation

Educational Escape Game BEHAVIORAL

Participants join a 30-minute educational escape game with 10 puzzles that guide them through the diagnosis and management of diabetic ketoacidosis. The activity emphasizes collaboration and problem-solving.

Escape Game

Eligibility Criteria

• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Newly recruited medical interns at Ibn Sina University Hospital (CHU), Rabat
• Voluntary participation with signed informed consent
• No prior formal training specifically focused on diabetic ketoacidosis

You may not qualify if:

• Refusal to participate
• Previous advanced training on diabetic ketoacidosis management

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Mohammed V Souissi University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Faculty of Medecine And Pharmacy Of Rabat

Rabat, 10170, Morocco

Location

Related Publications (3)

• Issenberg SB, McGaghie WC, Petrusa ER, Lee Gordon D, Scalese RJ. Features and uses of high-fidelity medical simulations that lead to effective learning: a BEME systematic review. Med Teach. 2005 Jan;27(1):10-28. doi: 10.1080/01421590500046924.

  PMID: 16147767 BACKGROUND

• Khanna A, Ravindran A, Ewing B, Zinnerstrom K, Grabowski C, Mishra A, Makdissi R. Escape MD: Using an Escape Room as a Gamified Educational and Skill-Building Teaching Tool for Internal Medicine Residents. Cureus. 2021 Sep 27;13(9):e18314. doi: 10.7759/cureus.18314. eCollection 2021 Sep.

  PMID: 34725586 BACKGROUND

• Alturkistani A, Lam C, Foley K, Stenfors T, Blum ER, Van Velthoven MH, Meinert E. Massive Open Online Course Evaluation Methods: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res. 2020 Apr 27;22(4):e13851. doi: 10.2196/13851.

  PMID: 32338618 BACKGROUND

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: Fifty-one newly recruited medical interns will be randomly assigned in equal proportions to one of three parallel groups. Each group will receive a single, distinct educational intervention on the same clinical case (diabetic ketoacidosis). The interventions are: (1) a structured MOOC with interactive quizzes, (2) a high-fidelity simulation scenario with debriefing, or (3) a gamified escape game composed of 10 puzzles. Participants remain in their assigned group throughout the study, and outcomes are compared between groups.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 9, 2025
• First Posted: September 16, 2025
• Study Start: October 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: November 30, 2025
• Study Completion: December 3, 2025
• Last Updated: January 2, 2026

Record last verified: 2025-12

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

MO (1)