Healthcare professionals learn to regulate emotions with a simulation game

Workers in the social and health care faculty are often faced with emotionally demanding tasks. A simulation game for dealing with emotions is now being developed to allow training in a safe environment. Turku University of Applied Sciences is involved in the multinational project as a project partner.

Nursing professionals work in demanding environments and situations, such as with aggressive patients or in hospice care. Emotional and self-regulation skills are needed to cope with these situations.

– In emotionally demanding situations, the stress experienced by an employee can become insurmountable. Inadequate emotional handling skills can quickly lead to burnout, redundancy or a change of field, says Johanna Berg, lecturer and project expert at Turku University of Applied Sciences.

The international Simply4Emotions project is developing and piloting a simulation game that will be made into both a digital version and a traditional board game. The game will make it possible to create real-life situations where people working in the social and health sector can practice and develop their decision-making skills, among other things.

– Players can live their role in a safe space without fear of real-life consequences. This is important when learning about sensitive topics such as emotional regulation and resilience, the ability to cope and recover. It is important for individuals to understand their emotions and learn how to manage them,” says Berg.

– The joy of playing is in the event itself and in succeeding in the game. Both contribute to engagement and motivation, which are key to learning. A debriefing discussion is also essential to reflect on the decisions made and their consequences,” he adds.

The content of the simulation game will be designed during the rest of 2024 and its final format will be chosen. The game is expected to be ready by the end of 2025.

The Simply4Emotions (Simulation Games for health professionals to develop skills for their emotional self-regulation) project is implemented by a working group with partners from Finland, Ireland, Germany, Greece and Italy. The project is funded by the European Union.

The news was published on our previous turkuamk.fi website on 23.10.2024.