Games based learning may provide an innovative approach to the control of health care associated infections in hospitals.
Learning consultants at VEGA, are working with two NHS Trusts, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust, and North West Ambulance Service Trust, using video games, also known as game-based learning, to encourage improved infection control awareness and adherence to procedures.
The Health Protection Agency's fifth annual conference, taking place at the University of Warwick from September 17 -19 2007, will hear from Steve Jarvis, from VEGA, who is working with both NHS Trusts on the games based learning project. Steve says: “Initial findings from our research show that the attitude of healthcare workers is a factor in whether they choose to adhere to infection control policies. We are currently investigating how and when we could use games-based learning when training healthcare workers about infection control issues. If we can use games to engage people we have the potential to create more effective training and learning.”
The conference which brings together more than a thousand health and scientific professionals, including leading experts from across the Agency, and from partner organisations offers in depth presentations on the latest work in key areas of health protection, including Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI). Symposiums on HCAIs titled ‘What works and what doesn't – Changing behaviour of individuals to control HCAI' will be taking place each day of the conference.