Game on: Don a mask and play your role

January 12th, 2015

How do you think you would fare in game where you assume the identity of a character in a computer-based video simulation that calls for key decisions to ensure infection prevention? Find out by playing Partnering to Heal.

Based upon your avatar’s decisions, the training branches to different pathways and patient outcomes. The training is designed and developed for use by groups in facilitated training sessions and by individuals as a self-paced learning tool. Drawing upon expert consultation, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) developed the computer-based, interactive learning tool for clinicians, health professional students, and patient advocates.

The training highlights effective communication about infection control practices and what it means to help create a “culture of safety” in healthcare institutions. Trainees follow five main characters and make decisions about preventing health care associated infections (HAIs). These include a physician, a nurse, an infection preventionist, a patient family member and a medical student.

The training includes information on basic protocols for isolation precautions to protect patients, visitors, and practitioners from the most common HAIs. In addition to communication and teamwork, the interactive sessions promote key hand hygiene and proper insertion, use, and removal of catheters and ventilators.