Authors: (including presenting author): :
Cheung WC(1), Mak CH(1), Cheung CT(1)
Affiliation: :
(1)Physiotherapy department, AHNH
Keyword 3: :
Clinical education
Keyword 4: :
Physiotherapy
Introduction: :
In the dynamic landscape of physiotherapy, challenges such as high turnover rates among senior staff, a predominantly young workforce, and the resultant heavy supervision burden on experienced clinicians highlight the urgent need for innovative training solutions. While traditional training methods strain resources, serious game has emerged as an evidence-based approach to engage younger generations effectively in healthcare education. Recognising these imperatives, we developed “PhysioCheck” - an online clinical serious game platform designed to preserve and disseminate the invaluable expertise of seasoned physiotherapists through interactive case challenges.
Objectives: :
The primary aim of this project was to develop an engaging digital tool that enhances clinical reasoning skills among physiotherapy students and junior staff, thereby alleviating the coaching demands on senior clinicians, ideally minimising clinical errors and fostering safer patient experiences.
Methodology: :
“PhysioCheck” features meticulously crafted case scenarios, developed by experienced staff with AI assistance to eliminate data privacy issues. Users engage with clinical scenarios followed by challenging questions designed to sharpen clinical decision-making. These questions encompass key areas including laboratory result interpretation, X-ray analysis, rehabilitation planning, red flag screening, and other critical aspects of physiotherapy practice. Upon submission, detailed feedback and explanations are delivered to reinforce learning. A user survey targeting students and clinical staff was conducted to assess the perceived utility of the platform in supporting clinical reasoning training.
Result & Outcome: :
A total of 51 responses were received from physiotherapy students and clinical staff. The feedback was highly encouraging: 84% of participants found the case difficulty level entirely appropriate, striking an ideal balance between challenge and accessibility. Notably, 98% completed each interactive case within 10 minutes, demonstrating the platform's efficiency and user-friendly design. Above all, 94% of users perceived “PhysioCheck” as “useful” or “very useful” for enhancing clinical decision-making skills, affirming its value as a powerful, time-efficient tool for building confidence and competence in real-world practice. “PhysioCheck” marks a transformative step in physiotherapy education, offering an enjoyable learning experience that captivates students and junior staff while easing the coaching burden of senior clinicians. At organisational level, the interactive case-based modules are expected to contribute to decreased clinical errors, thereby enhancing patient safety and supporting standardisation of care. This platform not only retains critical institutional knowledge amid workforce transitions but also aligns with the growing adoption of serious gaming, offering scalable and cost-effective training solutions for healthcare professionals. Future expansions could extend its impact across multidisciplinary settings. We are confident that “PhysioCheck” will deliver meaningful “win-win” benefits for all involved.
