We've mentioned a few stories over the history of this site about doctors benefiting from video game play (here and here). And now we can add another one to the list, this time involving the Nintendo Wii courtesy of the BBC.

Banner Good Samaritan Medical Centre performed a study where surgeons were asked to play a one hour session before tackling a virtual surgery. Those that played the Wii ahead of the surgery made 50% less mistakes than those that didn't. Of course it's not just the Wii alone doing this, but the type of game being played. Marble Mania, which requires small tiny movements to succeed, was the game of choice (overlooking the obvious... Trauma Center).

But they're not content to just study the effects, they're using it. Development has begun on Wii-specific surgery training tools that can be used in poorer countries where sophisticated trainers aren't affordable.

And if those docs spend they're free time playing Mario Galaxy, all the better!

[BBC]

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