What happens when you mix patient flow, puzzles, and a ticking clock? We caught up with Kim Heaslip, Simulation Coordinator at CSDS, to hear the story behind his popular Escape Room – Go with the Flow, first debuted at the CEQ Showcase.
In this interview, Kim shares how the idea came to life, why creativity matters in healthcare education, and how an escape room can teach serious skills, all while having fun.
What inspired you to create an escape room for the CEQ Showcase?
The inspiration came from the growing interest in immersive learning experiences. I wanted to create a dynamic way for participants to engage with complex healthcare concepts while having fun. The escape room format encourages teamwork and problem-solving, which mirrors many real-life healthcare scenarios where collaboration is essential.
How did you come up with the concept? Was there a particular problem you were trying to solve or a message you wanted to get across?
The concept originated from various initiatives implemented by the Department of Health, which aimed to enhance patient flow within healthcare systems. Recognising the complexities and challenges faced by healthcare professionals, I wanted to design a comprehensive scenario that would not only engage participants but also push them to think critically and adaptively under pressure.
This simulation is intended to foster teamwork and collaboration among participants, as they work together to navigate realistic healthcare situations that require innovative problem-solving. By engaging in this challenging environment, participants will have the opportunity to refine their skills, experience the dynamics of effective communication, and develop strategies to improve patient outcomes in real-life healthcare contexts.
What was the process like in developing the escape room from initial idea to final product?
The development process was both exciting and challenging. It started with brainstorming sessions to identify key themes and learning objectives. I then drafted puzzles and scenarios that aligned with those themes. After multiple iterations and feedback sessions with my colleagues, we conducted a pilot test for each element. The collaborative efforts of our team helped to refine the experience, ensuring it was both entertaining and met the desired criteria.
How did attendees respond to the escape room?
The response was overwhelmingly positive! Participants expressed excitement and enjoyment as they navigated through the challenges. Many appreciated the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a hands-on manner and reported that the experience enhanced their understanding of the concepts. The atmosphere was filled with energy, with many attendees forming new connections while working together.
What do you think attendees learned or experienced differently by engaging with the escape room?
Engaging with the escape room allowed participants to experience firsthand the importance of teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. Instead of passively absorbing information, they actively participated and made decisions in real-time. This format helped solidify key concepts and skills, making the learning experience more memorable and impactful.
Do you have any advice for others thinking about using creative approaches in healthcare education?
Absolutely! My advice would be to start with clear learning objectives and build your creative approach around them. Don’t be afraid to experiment and iterate based on feedback. Collaborate with others to bring different perspectives and expertise to your project. Most importantly, keep the experience engaging and interactive — people learn best when they are having fun!
Want to learn more or bring the escape room experience to your event? Get in touch with Kim Heaslip, Simulation Coordinator at CSDS, via kim.heaslip@health.qld.gov.au
