University of Pittsburgh study finds video game improves ER doctors’ decisions for older trauma patients

July 5, 2026 - 17:27

HBO's "The Pitt" may show doctors for drama, but a real-life physician in Pittsburgh has used a video game to get his peers to look in the mirror and improve their work. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have found that an emergency room mobile game called "Night Shift" successfully improved how doctors treat older trauma patients.

The game puts players in the role of an ER doctor working a night shift. They must make quick decisions for virtual patients over the age of 65, a group that often gets rushed through busy trauma bays. The study found that doctors who played the game were more likely to spot subtle signs of injury and avoid unnecessary tests. They also showed better judgment when deciding whether to send a patient for a CT scan or straight to surgery.

Dr. Deepika Mohan, the lead researcher and a Pitt physician, said the goal was to change habits, not just teach facts. She noted that older patients often present differently than younger ones, and standard training does not always prepare doctors for those nuances. The game forces players to slow down and think, even when the screen gets chaotic.

The results suggest that interactive training could be a cheap and effective way to improve care. Researchers are now looking at how to expand the game to other hospitals.