Högskolan i Skövde

In medical education, the development of clinical reasoning skills is crucial, and simulation-based learning has become an essential tool for enhancing medical diagnostic decision-making. Project Hospital is an entertainment-focused hospital management simulation game available on Steam. Although it is primarily designed for entertainment, its diagnostic system is highly structured, allowing players to engage in key medical practices such as final diagnosis evaluation, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options. 

While designed for entertainment, its diagnostic fidelity remains uncertain in supporting medical students’ clinical reasoning training. This study evaluates its cognitive, psychological, and graphical & functional fidelity to assess its potential educational usefulness. 

Using a survey-based approach, the study examines medical students’ perceptions of the game’s diagnostic realism and the fidelity factors most influential in clinical reasoning development. Findings suggest that Project Hospital offers moderate diagnostic fidelity, aiding clinical reasoning development. However, limitations in psychological fidelity indicate it should complement, not replace, traditional medical training.