Old habits die hard? How to challenge students and professors to rethink the teaching and learning processes in biophysics using escape room-based games

One primary challenge in basic health program courses like biophysics is engaging students who struggle to connect initial concepts with future professional practice, leading to a lack of commitment to learning biophysics. Many classes also fail to develop skills and abilities essential for healthcare professionals, such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking, conflict resolution, and delegation. Educational games can be used to encourage students' commitment to knowledge construction and test their mental models to foster an active learning environment. An educational game based on the worldwide popular "escape room" model was developed, wherein teams collaborate to uncover clues, solve puzzles, and accomplish tasks within a set timeframe to achieve a specific goal: escape the room by discovering a password related to biophysics themes. To work on biophysics topics, such as acid-base balance, bioelectrogenesis, fluid compartments (composition and osmolarity), fluid dynamics, and membrane transport, the scenario was designed with elements relevant to daily professional practice, such as laboratory equipment, reagent flasks, stethoscopes, and saline solutions. Students participated in groups, answering class-related questions, and solving puzzles and riddles to "escape" the room. The assessment of student performance involved observing their discussions and knowledge construction during the activity. At the activity's conclusion, students completed a satisfaction survey, providing feedback to refine future editions. The utilization of the escape room format provided an immersive and enjoyable learning experience, enhancing student motivation and participation. Thus, we demonstrate that old habits of teaching and learning, as expository classes, are not so hard to break.<b>NEW & NOTEWORTHY</b> Biophysics classes provide essential knowledge to understand physiology and pathology, which are central to many clinical conditions. However, the basic sciences seem far from relevant to students' future practice, and they may struggle to see their relevance. To increase student engagement, we applied strategies based on escape room activities to bring biophysics closer to situations that professionals will encounter in their clinical practices.