Previous Work
The VIPVis project is a follow-on study from a proof-of-concept trial known as ' A Microbial Reality Simulator (AMRSim)', which utilises the same digital tool. Below is some more information on the AMRSim project as well as some papers published surrounding this work.
A Microbial Reality Simulator (AMRSim)
The AMRSim project trialled a newly developed innovative digital tool in the form of a training intervention. The tool was intended to raise awareness of infection prevention and control (IPC), with intention to motivate the changes in behaviour needed to reduce infection risk within veterinary practice. The digital tool comprised of a 3D model of the veterinary practice environment using visual cues consisting of two layers which could be switched on and off independently; 1) A red-shaded 'contamination' layer showing the potential transfer of microbes; 2) A green-shaded 'IPC measures' layer showing behaviours used in good veterinary pratice to keep the environment 'germ-free'.
The training intervention was delivered to veterinary staff in the format of a face-to-face workshop, where the trainer switched on and off the coloured contamination and IPC layers. The aim of the trial was to test the theory that as practitioners interacted with the tool, they would gain a greater appreciation for; 1) How their behaviour and activities impact infection spread, 2) Weaknesses in current practice, and 3) Changes that could be made to the way they interact with animals and the environment.
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Results from the intervention showed that participants felt significantly (p<=.001) more informed about IPC after attending the workshop. Of the 51 participants, 92% agreed to change their behaviour and stated an intention to implement an infection control behaviour, for example, by increasing hand hygiene (31.37%), wearing gloves (15.69%), wearing protective clothing (15.69%), and reducing necessary touching of animals (11.76%).
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Visit the AMRSim website to learn more:
