Evaluation of Availability of Training Aid Using Virtual Reality for Hand Hygiene

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to develop a virtual reality (VR) image aid for hand hygiene and to compare its educational potential with a two-dimensional video image.

Method: A non-randomized controlled trial was conducted among nurses, who were assigned to either a VR group that watched a VR video or a two-dimensional video group and attended a video viewing session and hand hygiene lecture. The participants, using written questions, evaluated the images immediately after viewing the video, and the timing of hand hygiene was measured before, after, and one month after viewing the video.

Results: Comparing the two groups, the median ratings for evaluation of the images on a 5-point scale were as follows: “I understood the importance of hand hygiene (VR 5.0, 2D 4.0 p = .024),” “I recalled my practice (5.0, 4.0 p = .008),” and “The teaching method using the image was helpful and effective (5.0, 4.0 p = .046).” In the VR group, the percentage of participants who were able to describe “after touching patient surroundings” was 90% (p = .040) after viewing and 60% (p = .233) one month later, compared to 30% before viewing. In the two-dimensional video group, the percentage of participants was 80% (p = .040) after viewing and 80% (p = .040) one month later, compared to 20% before viewing.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the VR group showed higher evaluations of understanding the importance of hand hygiene, recall of own practice, and effectiveness of learning. Therefore, VR can be used for hand hygiene education.