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.

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.