PhD candidate Leila Faber is part of the Active Lifestyle and Daily Functioning research group at Movement Sciences. Her research interests lie in children's (fine) motor skills. “With my research project ‘Unique in your Motor Skills’, I try to identify qualitative development in fine motor tasks in children with, for example, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) compared to typical developing children,” Leila explains.
Leila is also a PhD representative on the management team of UMCG's Health in Context research institute. It was during an impact meeting of this team that she first heard about the Impact Team and their patient involvement escape room. “I was immediately excited by the idea of experiencing the escape room with our research group,” she says. “Involving patients and using their knowledge, experiences, needs and interests can improve research in multiple ways.”
The escape room design is based on the idea that experiential learning sticks better. The core of the game: you are with a group in a room and have to crack codes by looking for solutions or clues. Working together and communicating well is important here. Leila: “In preparation, we were asked about the background of our research group. Which facets of movement we are involved with and which target groups. This input was incorporated into the escape room assignments. It resulted in a fun team activity that was educational at the same time.”
The escape room prompted Leila to ask for feedback from a parent of a child involved in her research. “It makes you more aware of the importance of connecting to patients‘ needs and expectations,” she states. “I therefore highly recommend this ‘attempted escape’ to other researchers.”
For more information on how the Impact Team can support in expanding your understanding of impact and collaboration, visit the website.
Since 2022, the UMCG has received significant funding from the national sector plan for Medical and Health Sciences. This investment is aimed at strengthening the base of scientific research and education, including the creation of more jobs and permanent positions. Together with other UMCs and regional partners, the UMCG plays an important role in vital areas such as prevention, data-driven innovation and the practical application of (fundamental) research.
