Development and validation of an educational game: Blood pressure measurement

Abstract

This study describes the methodological steps in the construction of an educational strategy for fixing the indirect blood pressure measurement technique. Conducted by monitors of the discipline of Semiotics of the nursing course at the Faculty of Nursing at Ceará University from 2008 to 2010, it drew on previous studies to choose the type of game and followed definite stages of construction and validation. It was carried out in collaboration with specialist nurses and students who had taken the course earlier. This article also describes the game itself and its application to students during monitoring. The nonparametric Wilcoxon test of the students' performance showed an increase in knowledge after the activity (p=0.001). Educational games can awaken motivation, curiosity and an interest in learning in the learner, while it is for the facilitator to enable knowledge to be constructed pleasant, playful manner.