Virtual Escape Rooms for Emergency Preparedness: Pharmacists Innovate Training Through Gamified Learning

Virtual Escape Rooms for Emergency Preparedness: Pharmacists Innovate Training Through Gamified Learning

Deborah Booth, Allison Tempo, Gillian McGovern

November, 21, 2025

Originally Published Here

Summary

The article describes how clinical pharmacy specialists Deborah Booth and Allison Tempo use gamification to improve disaster preparedness education for pharmacists. They created a PowerPoint-based virtual escape room incorporating quizzes, puzzles, and cultural references to teach emergency management concepts. The activity aimed to boost engagement, critical thinking, teamwork, and retention in both in-person and virtual settings. Despite a small, voluntary sample, participants reported meaningful learning gains. Booth and Tempo emphasize pharmacists’ essential roles in disaster response, including protocol development, medication management, and training, and argue that innovative, game-based approaches can strengthen preparedness across health systems.

Reference

Booth, D., Tempo, A., & McGovern, G. (2025, November 21). Virtual escape rooms for emergency preparedness: Pharmacists innovate training through gamified learning. Pharmacy Times. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/virtual-escape-rooms-for-emergency-preparedness-pharmacists-innovate-training-through-gamified-learning