Teaching “medical interview and physical examination” from the very beginning of medical school and using “escape rooms” during the final assessment: achievements and educational impact in Japan

Background There is no consensus regarding the best time to teach two fundamental pillars of clinical medicine: medical interview and physical examination. We investigated the impacts of teaching the course “Medical Interview and Physical Examination” in Japan from the very beginning of medical school. In addition, we also evaluated the educational value of using “Escape Rooms”, a series of timed, game-based scenarios using simulators, as a part of the final assessment of the course. Methods At the end of the course, the interview capabilities of 140 first year medical students at International University of Health and Welfare (Japan) were assessed by physicians who acted as simulated patients. Physical examination skills were assessed using the “Escape Room” team task method. Students also self-assessed their confidence in their physical examination skills pre and post “Escape Rooms.” A day prior to the final assessment, students completed an anonymous course evaluation. Results The average global rating of the students’ medical interview skills using a rating scale from 1 to 6 (1-fail 6-outstanding, no different from practicing junior physician’s level) was 4.6. Twenty-two students scored the highest mark of 6. An average of 89% of “Escape Room” teams finished all the physical examination tasks correctly within the allotted time. All teams that could not finish in time completed all tasks correctly when given an additional 3 to 5 min. Students’ self-assessed confidence in their physical examination skills increased from 49 to 73 (out of 100) pre and post “Escape Rooms.” In the course evaluation questionnaire, 99% of students answered “this course enhanced their motivation” (response rate 89%) and 99% also answered “this course was interesting and useful” (response rate 86%). Conclusions This descriptive study analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data showed that the course not only achieved the intended objectives of successfully conducting comprehensive medical interview and basic physical examination skills, but also enhanced student motivation. “Escape Rooms”, used for the course assessment, in itself enhanced students’ self-perceived physical examination skills and had an added educational value.