Rapid Visual Search Games and Accuracy of Students' Clinical Observation Skills: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Rapid visual search (RVS) games require a player to search for a target against a distracting background. Playing RVS is known to improve observation and related skills for those professions that require ultimate observation skills. Aim: To examine whether using RVS games improves clinical observation of nursing students. Method: Post intervention assessment design was used in which participants were assigned to either RVS group or non-RVS group and their performance was compared to assess the impact of RVS games on students’ observational skills. Finding: Study findings revealed that RVS improved identification of cues that are highly visual in nature and related to liver cirrhosis. This may indicate that the RVS groups were more focused on the clinical markers than were the non-RVS group.