Abstract: SA-PO0977
Nephrenetic: A Virtual Simulation for Teaching Diuretic Pharmacology
Session Information
- Educational Research
October 24, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Educational Research
- 1000 Educational Research
Authors
- Zheng, Bang, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Cook, Matthew, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Umoren, Rachel U., University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Lidgard, Benjamin, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
- de Wolski, Karen S., University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
Background
Cardiovascular and kidney diseases affect millions of U.S. adults, and many require diuretic therapy. Thus, it is crucial for clinicians to understand diuretic pharmacology. However, diuretic mastery is difficult due to its complexity and limited engagement in traditional curricula. Gamification has gained popularity in medication education and offers a promising strategy to improve learning. We have created Nephrenetic, a novel medical education tool designed to teach diuretic pharmacology through interactive game-based learning.
Methods
Nephrenetic was developed using Unity and WebGL by a multidisciplinary team at the University of Washington. Initial alpha testing was completed to evaluate its gameplay, feasibility, and overall usability. We subsequently recruited 12 participants for the first round of beta testing. Participants completed a pre- and post-gameplay survey with knowledge-based questions as well as perceived tutorial quality, gameplay interface, educational efficacy, and enjoyability.
Results
The participant demographics included 2 medical students, 5 residents, 2 fellows, and 3 attending physicians. Eight participants rarely played video games, and none played them very frequently. After the gameplay, knowledge improved in most of the domains, but some showed no improvement or slight decline. Most of the participants reported improved understanding of diuretic mechanisms, the ability to differentiate diuretic classes and confidence in selecting therapy. All participants found the simulation more engaging than traditional lectures.
Conclusion
Nephrenetic is an ongoing project, and initial testing demonstrates proof of concept that a gamified virtual simulation for diuretic education is feasible and well accepted by users. Early findings suggest the potential to improve understanding of diuretic pharmacology, with strong engagement and positive learner perceptions. These results support further iterative improvement and larger scale feasibility testing of Nephrenetic as a potentially valuable tool for diuretic education using a gamified approach for aspects of medical education.
Acknowledgment
Thank you for everyone that has helped support this project. Thank you to the NEST VR Lab for providing support for the game creation and thank you to the American Heart Association for providing funding.
Survey Responses
| Post-gameplay questions | Agree/strongly agree | Neutral | disagree/strongly disagree |
| Improved understanding of diuretic mechanism of action | 9 | 3 | 0 |
| Helped differentiate between classes of diuretics | 10 | 2 | 0 |
| Improved understanding of electrolytes and volume effects of diuretics | 7 | 4 | 1 |
| Improved cognition of common side-effects and complications | 7 | 3 | 2 |
| Improved confidence in selecting appropriate diuretic therapy | 8 | 3 | 1 |