Launching a Neonatal Resuscitation Escape Room to Combat High Infant Mortality Rates

BACKGROUND: In South India, infant mortality rates are high, and nurses require advanced training to respond to infants in infant distress. Evidence shows that improved nurse competency in neonatal resuscitation (NNR) and the ability of students to recognize and respond to distressed infants have led to decreased infant mortality rates. PURPOSE: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to design and implement a simulated escape room to improve NNR outcomes among undergraduate students in South India. METHODS: This quality improvement project used a quantitative descriptive design. Undergraduate nursing students from 6 schools in South India completed an asynchronous maternal-fetal nursing course followed by an in-person simulated NNR escape room. Two quantitative surveys were used for evaluation: the facilitator survey assessed students' completion of NNR skills during the escape room, and the student survey measured perceptions of the escape room experience. RESULTS: There was a measurable increase in knowledge retention on the infant distress portion of the posttest following participation in the escape room. Most student groups successfully completed the NNR sequence with minimal assistance, demonstrating improved NNR competency. Students reported that the activity enhanced their teamwork and collaboration skills in a clinical context. Both students and facilitators described the escape room as an enjoyable, engaging, and psychologically safe learning experience. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: This article provides an overview of the quality improvement project in which an NNR escape room was implemented as an innovative learning activity for nursing students in South India.