Gamification Approaches to Improve Learning Outcomes among Medical Students

Millani, R.N.; Purba, A.K.R.; Joewono, H.T.

doi:10.58209/hehp.14.2.271

Gamification Approaches to Improve Learning Outcomes among Medical Students

Document Type : Systematic Review

Authors

R.N. Millani ¹

A.K.R. Purba ¹

H.T. Joewono ²

¹ Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia

² “Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine” and “Dr. Soetomo Academic General Hospital”, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia

10.58209/hehp.14.2.271

Abstract

Aims: Gamification has increasingly been incorporated into medical education to improve student engagement, motivation, and academic performance. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of gamification-based learning interventions on knowledge outcomes, clinical skills, OSCE performance, and student motivation.
Information & Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and citation-tracking sources through December 2025. Quantitative studies evaluating gamification interventions among undergraduate or professional medical students were included. Data were synthesized narratively, and a meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. Effect sizes were calculated using standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic.
Findings: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, and six were eligible for meta-analysis. The pooled analysis demonstrated a moderate positive effect of gamification compared with conventional teaching approaches. Greater benefits were observed in clinically oriented and skill-based learning activities, although substantial heterogeneity was identified across studies. Gamification also improved collaborative participation, learning satisfaction, and classroom interaction in several studies involving simulation-based educational activities in undergraduate medical education programs.
Conclusion: Gamification is a promising educational strategy in medical education.

Keywords

Gamification

Medical Education

Medical Students

Learning

Clinical Competence

Subjects