PLAY SERIOUS – ACT MORAL

Resarch period: 01.01.2025 - 31.01.2028

Development of a Serious Moral Game to train ethical skills

Nurses face numerous challenges during educational training and later in their professional careers. One of these challenges are ethical dilemmas. Continuous strain leads to stress and can reduce job satisfaction. According to a study, 75% of nurses consider leaving the profession. To prevent this, good working conditions, adequate payment, and the development of job-specific skills are necessary.

In the research project “EthiCare”, realised by the AI, Software and Safety Research Center and the Center for Applied Nursing Research a Serious Moral Game (SMG) that allows students to practice ethical decision-making skills in a virtual environment is being developed. It simulates challenges from various nursing settings and incorporates the experiences of educators, nurses, and students. “EthiCare” can be used in basic training, professional contexts, and further education. It is also suitable for other healthcare professions and interested laypersons.

The project's main goals are the design and development of the SMG “EthiCare” the development of student’s ethical skills and providing the game other educational institutions. Two “EthiCircles” will also be held during the project to incorporate interdisciplinary perspectives into the development.

Research goals

  • Development and design of a Serious Moral Game, including evaluation in the nursing lecture “Ethics and Diversity Competent Health and Nursing Care”.
  • Advancement of students’ moral and ethical competencies through an engaging and entertaining learning environment.
  • Conduct workshops for interested educational institutions to integrate the game into their teaching.
  • Perform two “EthiCircles” between nursing and technology students to develop interdisciplinary perspectives on the game and ethical issues.

Funding bodies

Funding Guideline 2020, 38th call, “Digitalization from an inter- and transdisciplinary perspective”


Sustainable Development Goals


Project team


Related study programs

Bachelor

Health Care and Nursing

full-time

Bachelor

Computer Science and Digital Communications

full-time

Bachelor

Computer Science and Digital Communications

part-time

Master

Software Design and Engineering

part-time