To explore the impact of an immersive virtual reality (VR) training module on infection prevention and control (IPC) knowledge and attitudes of healthcare personnel (HCP) and to demonstrate the use of VR for performance assessment in cleaning and disinfection of portable medical equipment (PME).

Quasi-experimental study.

Two academic medical centers and three long-term care facilities.

HCP in clinical roles were recruited.

Pilot sites trained participants on an immersive VR training module on PME cleaning and disinfection. Participants completed the VR module and pre- and post-knowledge and attitude assessment surveys, including a post-survey on the user experience of the VR module. Performance data were collected from the head-mounted displays (HMD) on the duration of the VR session, and participant performance including in-module task completion, hand hygiene compliance, PME disinfection percentage, and in-module quiz performance. Statistical significance and effect size were calculated using paired sample t-tests and Cohen’s D for pre- and post-survey results. HMD data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

A total of 60 participants were recruited; 54 were included for analysis, with improvements in knowledge and attitudes post-training. Participant user experience was rated 50.19/55. HMD data demonstrated: 22-minute mean module duration, mean of 2.15/28 tasks not completed, mean of 2.56 missed hand hygiene opportunities, and 54% PME mean disinfection percentage, and varied performance on in-module quizzes.

Immersive VR training may be effective in improving HCP knowledge and attitudes in IPC concepts. Performance data collected through VR training can evaluate learner performance and be used to target training for improvement.

Domestic and International Disaster Response requires ongoing preparedness through full-scale exercises and training. The Humanitarian Response Intensive Course (HRIC) includes a 3-day in-person simulation to prepare future humanitarian workers. The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Disaster Medical and Global Disaster Response Teams supported the HRIC through the development of a simulated field hospital for the course participants. Additionally, the MGH teams engaged in an intensive continuing education program for specialized training.

An interdisciplinary team developed and delivered seven discrete educational modules utilizing small group methodologies and combining didactics and simulation for a total of 14 hours of content over the 3-day course. Participants engaged in structured debriefing and completed written evaluations at the end of each day.

18 participants completed the course and simulation weekend. Participants strongly agreed that learning outcomes were met and they noted that they felt more prepared to deploy in the future with comments specifically noting the ability to function as part of a team and increased awareness of personal safety in an alternate care setting.

Structured learning within a large-scale immersive, interdisciplinary simulation resulted in participants reporting increased preparation for real-world events.

Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs), such as Ebola virus disease, Marburg virus disease, and Lassa fever, are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and the potential for person-to-person transmission. While most individuals in whom VHF is suspected will ultimately be diagnosed with a non-VHF illness, such patients may present to any United States healthcare facility (HCF) for initial evaluation; therefore, all HCFs must be prepared to evaluate and initiate care for suspect VHF patients, especially if they are acutely ill. Included within this evaluation is the ability to perform basic routine laboratory testing before VHF-specific diagnostic test results are available, as well as rapid malaria testing to assess for a common, dangerous “VHF mimic.”

To improve laboratory preparedness and readiness in the initial care of suspect VHF patients who may present to acute care hospitals.

Plan-Do-Study-Act quality improvement model.

Frontline healthcare facilities and their clinical laboratories.

We describe the development of a laboratory testing toolkit for a suspect VHF patient that can assist frontline HCFs in providing basic laboratory testing required for the care of these patients.

The toolkit provides guidance on infection prevention and control, waste management, occupational health, laboratory test collection, processing, and resulting, in the context of suspect VHF patient evaluation.

The toolkit is designed to be readily adapted by any frontline HCF in the US. With the guidance provided, facilities will be able to support safer initial evaluation of VHF suspects and ensure high-quality patient care.

Public health authorities recommend symptom monitoring of healthcare personnel (HCP) after defined exposures to monkeypox. We report on the rapid development and implementation of mobile responsive survey solutions for notification of possible exposure, exposure risk assessment and stratification, and symptom monitoring.

An academic health center in Boston, Massachusetts, after admission of first diagnosed case of monkeypox in the United States during the current global outbreak.

Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) design and programmers, infection control, occupational health, and emergency preparedness specialists, and HCP with possible exposure to monkeypox.

Design and deployment of REDCap tools to identify HCP with possible exposure to monkeypox, to perform exposure risk assessment and stratification for postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), and to conduct symptom monitoring during the exposure window. Project enhancements included dashboards for HCP tracking and short message service (SMS text) reminders for symptom monitoring.

Tools to support the contact tracing and exposure investigation were deployed within 24 hours of identification of a patient with suspected monkeypox, with the full suite in production within 4 days of confirmation of the monkeypox diagnosis. Clinical follow-up of HCP was integrated into the design, and real-time versioning allowed for improvements in HCP symptom monitoring compliance and enhanced tracking.

During the current monkeypox outbreak, timely and comprehensive evaluation of potential HCP exposures is necessary but presents logistical challenges. Rapid development of monkeypox-specific solutions using REDCap facilitated flexibility in design and approach, and integration of targeted clinical support enhanced functionality.