OAR@UM Collection:

Evaluating the effectiveness of a gamified escape room in medical education : a pilot study on gastrointestinal (GIT) anatomy and physiology

2026-11-12T14:28:54Z

Title: Evaluating the effectiveness of a gamified escape room in medical education : a pilot study on gastrointestinal (GIT) anatomy and physiology Abstract: Background: The implementation of gamification in medical education has shown promise in enhancing engagement, collaboration and active learning. Educational escape rooms offer immersive, team-based environments that integrate applied knowledge and problem solving. However, their impact compared to traditional revision methods remains underexplored, particularly within foundational biomedical sciences. This study designed and piloted a gastrointestinal (GIT) anatomy and physiology escape room prior to a full-scale comparative evaluation with second-year medical students.; Summary of Work: A clinically structured escape room was designed to replicate the flow of a typical doctor’s consultation, guiding learners from initial observation and history-taking through physical examination, investigations (including imaging and laboratory/pathology interpretation), specialist consultation and surgical decision-making. Ten challenges were developed, each grounding learners in core anatomical principles while integrating complementary components such as radiological interpretation, physiological reasoning, and procedural simulation. Participants included a consultant surgeon, anatomy head of department, foundation year doctor and a final-year medical student. A preliminary pilot study was essential to validate the escape room design and capture qualitative perceptions of clarity, cognitive load and educational value.; Summary of Results: Participants described the escape room as immersive, clinically coherent and highly engaging. The group was unable to complete the full sequence within the allocated time, prompting the need to review challenge pacing and flow before implementation. All participants reported high perceived educational relevance, noting that the escape room challenged their anatomical reasoning and critical thinking, and offered a meaningful value as a deeper-learning tool.; Discussion and Conclusion: The pilot confirmed the feasibility and educational potential of a clinically structured escape room for reinforcing GIT knowledge. Pilot findings informed optimisation ahead of the full implementation, where 80 second-year medical students will complete the finalised escape room. A faculty-led revision lecture will run in parallel and serve as the control condition. Pre- and post-intervention assessments and surveys will evaluate knowledge gain, engagement and perceived value, enabling a rigorous comparison between gamified and traditional revision.

Misinformation as an occupational hazard in midwifery : findings from a global survey

2026-11-12T11:20:49Z

Title: Misinformation as an occupational hazard in midwifery : findings from a global survey Authors: Wilhelm, E.; Vivilaki, V.; Calleja-Agius, Jean; Tzeli, M.; Petelos, E.; Giaxi, P.; Purnat, T. D. Abstract: Health misinformation is recognized as a growing challenge in maternity care, yet the experiences of midwives navigating it in practice remain largely undocumented. No large-scale survey of the midwifery workforce on this topic has previously been conducted. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was administered in nine languages to midwives in active clinical practice across 79 countries (November 2025 to February 2026). Of 562 respondents, 513 were eligible. The sample was predominantly from Sub-Saharan Africa (54%) and Europe and Central Asia (26%). Regression modelling and cluster analysis examined predictors of exposure, harassment, and professional confidence.

Measuring what matters : implementation national health examination surveys – evidence, methods and flexible models for any country context

2026-11-12T11:15:17Z

Title: Measuring what matters : implementation national health examination surveys – evidence, methods and flexible models for any country context Abstract: Reliable, objective, and standardised health data are indispensable for understanding population health, monitoring non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors, and informing evidence-based policy. Health Examination Surveys (HES) which combine questionnaires with measured biophysical and laboratory indicators provide insights unattainable through routine or self-reported data alone. They represent the gold standard for assessing true disease burden and guiding prevention, screening, and resource planning.

Ten-year body weight trajectories in Maltese adults : patient-centred evidence from a health examination sub-cohort across the COVID-19 period

2026-11-10T12:52:48Z

Title: Ten-year body weight trajectories in Maltese adults : patient-centred evidence from a health examination sub-cohort across the COVID-19 period Authors: Grech, E.; Calleja, Neville; Cuschieri, Sarah Abstract: Background: In 2016, a national Health Examination Survey performed in Malta showed that 70% of adults aged 18–70 years were overweight or obese. From a patient-centred public health perspective, understanding how body weight evolves over time, particularly during major societal disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is essential to inform effective prevention strategies.; Methods: We followed a nationally derived sub-cohort of adults (n=215) over a 10-year period to examine longitudinal changes in body mass index (BMI), COVID infection status, and selected health behaviours. Analyses focused on changes in BMI trajectories and behavioural transitions. Paired and independent T-tests were used to analyse appropriately. Tis included COVID infection status and behavioural changes.; Results: Across the 10-year follow-up, 55.81% of participants experienced an increase in BMI, 16.74% remained stable, and 27.44% showed a decrease, with an overall signifcant increase in BMI (p < 0.001). A confrmed COVID-19 infection was associated with an increase in BMI over time (p=0.037); however, this association was no longer statistically signifcant afer adjustment for age and sex in linear regression analyses (p = 0.079). Among males, an increase in BMI was associated with a signifcant shif toward more frequent alcohol consumption over time (p=0.009), whereas females with increasing BMI demonstrated a reduction in alcohol intake (p=0.004). Participants with increasing BMI also reported a decline in smoking prevalence over time, observed in both males (p < 0.001) and females (p< 0.0001).; Conclusions and Public Health Implications: Our fndings indicate that bodyweight trajectories are dynamic and shaped by interacting biological, behavioural, and contextual factors. Te observed association between COVID-19 infection and BMI over time is suggestive but inconclusive, underscoring the need for further research before informing metabolic health surveillance in pandemic preparedness and recovery planning. Te coexistence of favourable behaviours, such as reduced smoking, alongside less favourable patterns, including increased alcohol consumption among men, emphasises the need for integrated, sex-sensitive public health interventions. Malta and other European small-states with a high obesity burden require prevention strategies which adopt a life-course approach. Weight management together with broader lifestyle behaviours need to be addressed over time, ensuring that care pathways remain responsive to patients’ evolving needs. Tis will tie in to the European Union’s cardiovascular health plan: Te Safe Hearts Plan which aims to significantly reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases in Europe.