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Controlled Clinical Trial
. 2022 Jun 25;11(1):91.
doi: 10.1186/s13756-022-01127-6.

Is virtual reality suitable for hand hygiene training in health care workers? Evaluating an application for acceptability and effectiveness

Vanessa M Eichel  1 , Christian Brandt  2 , Juliane Brandt  3 , Jonas M Jabs #  2   4 , Nico T Mutters #  2   5
Affiliations
Controlled Clinical Trial

Is virtual reality suitable for hand hygiene training in health care workers? Evaluating an application for acceptability and effectiveness

Vanessa M Eichel et al. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control. .

Abstract

Background: For effective prevention of nosocomial transmissions continuous training and motivation of health care workers (HCW) are essential to maintain and increase compliance with high rates of hand hygiene. The use of Virtual Reality (VR) seems to be a contemporary and interesting approach for hand hygiene training in HCW. Nevertheless, HCW should be asked for their preferences as intrinsic motivation is essential for compliance with hand hygiene and training success should be evaluated.

Methods: A prospective, cross-controlled trial was conducted at two wards in a tertiary care hospital comparing a conventional lecture for hand hygiene to the use of VR. Both interventions were assigned at ward level. Primary outcome was HCW acceptance, which was verified in a third ward, secondary outcomes were hand rub consumption and compliance to indications for hand hygiene as proposed by WHO.

Results: In summary, 81 trainings were conducted, 48 VR trainings and 33 trainings by lecture. VR training was well accepted by HCW with a mean score in all items from 3.9 to 4.3 (out of 5). While most HCW (69%) would prefer VR teaching rather than a lecture for hand hygiene education, only 4% preferred the traditional lecture. 400 observations of hand hygiene indications were made, 50 before intervention and 50 after each intervention at the three wards. Mean proportion of correct and indication-appropriate performances was 81% before intervention, 87% after VR training (p = 0.12), and 95% after lecture (p = 0.04). Hand rub consumption did not change significantly in any group.

Conclusions: Due to the high acceptance of VR technology among healthcare workers, it can be considered an interesting addition to conventional lectures for teaching hand hygiene. However, the hypothesis that VR teaching has a higher impact on hand rub use and hand hygiene compliance than a conventional lecture cannot be confirmed.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there are no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
VR Training hard- and software. A Oculus go headset and controller; B Screenshot during the lesson; courtesy of Essity. C Selection of profession; courtesy of Essity
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Acceptance of VR training of HCW in 8 items from 1 "Totally disagree" to 5 "Totally agree"; n = 48. Number of HCW selecting the grade of acceptance are shown in blue. Mean values are indicated in orange
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Mean hand rub consumption and compliance of HCW before and after hand hygiene teaching
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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