Dylan Harris

Jon Wyss began his new role as executive director of the West Plains Chamber of Commerce earlier this year. Wyss previously served as Washington state's executive director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency, a role he held three times.

Background Games and gamified learning are increasingly used in healthcare education, including palliative care. However, the emotional complexity of palliative care may seem at odds with the fun-focused nature of games. While game-based learning has been studied in patient education, no systematic review has explored its use in training palliative care students and professionals. This review investigates the use of gamification and game-based learning in palliative care education for multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.Method A systematic review was conducted across five databases. Studies were screened against inclusion criteria, and quality was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument, Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and a Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to develop themes from the included studies.Findings Of 255 studies identified, nine met the inclusion criteria. A range of games and learner populations were represented. Thematic analysis identified five themes: games are a variable tool; games can be adjuncts to regular teaching; games are effective; games can provide a safe environment; games can be for a range of people.Discussion Gamified and game-based learning shows promise in palliative care education, particularly in creating safe learning environments. A framework is proposed to guide thoughtful, theory-driven game design.

For its latest episode of Elevating The Conversation, the Journal sat down with Joel White, executive officer at Spokane Home Builders Association, to discuss the Inland Northwest Housing Market.

Four generations of the Lawton family have maintained leadership of Lawton Printing Inc. and FILE-EZ Inc. — an accomplishment many family businesses can’t claim. Instrumental to that level of continuity has been Ray Lawton, 79, who, along with his late brother Gary Lawton, represents the third generation to lead both Spokane companies.

Danny Scalise is the newest administrative officer for the Spokane Regional Health District.

Jim DeWalt retired in May, concluding a 23-year run as president and CEO of Spokane-based Associated Industries.

For its latest episode of Elevating The Conversation, the Journal sat down with Mike Marzetta, president of Liberty Lake-based Altek Inc. and co-founder of Minds-i Inc., to discuss manufacturing and innovation.

Jessica “Jessie” Laughery joined Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce as president and CEO on May 11, replacing Lance Beck, who took a new job at Greater Spokane Incorporated.

Laura Galloway began her new role as dean of Whitworth University's School of Business on July 1.

For its latest episode of Elevating The Conversation, the Journal sat down with Wally Jacobson, e xecutive director of the Panhandle Area Council