Development and application of the board game “Adventure in the Jungle: Mission Chagas”

experience report

Abstract

This study aims to report the experience of postgraduate students in developing and implementing the board game “Aventura na Selva: Missão Chagas”. The game was created by postgraduate students from the State University of Rio Grande do Norte as part of the course Teaching Methodology for Health Professionals. The objective was to develop an educational tool promoting Chagas disease awareness through gamification. Based on problem-based learning, the game was structured in three phases addressing different transmission routes: oral, vectorial, and laboratory-acquired. The initiative integrated health professionals from diverse areas and was tested with a postgraduate class, evaluated based on engagement, cooperation, argumentation, and demonstrated knowledge. The development process involved creating characters, scenarios, cards, and support materials like an explanatory booklet. Game implementation revealed challenges such as execution time and balancing question complexity with participant comprehension. However, the methodology promoted meaningful learning, critical reflection, and increased interest in the topic. The game shows potential for use in schools, universities, health units, and endemic communities, contributing to neglected disease health education. This experience demonstrates gamification's viability as an innovative, replicable, and adaptable pedagogical strategy integrating theory and practice engagingly.