A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A VIRTUAL REALITY-BASED INFECTION CONTROL TRAINING PROGRAM ON ADHERENCE TO HYGIENE PRACTICES AMONG NURSING STAFF IN A MEDICAL-SURGICAL UNIT AT A HOSPITAL IN UDAIPUR.

Author Name: 1. Dr. Vipin Kumar Pillai

Volume/Issue: 04/03

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/09.2024-67783952/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Principal, Udaipur College of Nursing, Umarda, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Infection control is crucial in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections. This study explores the efficacy of a virtual reality-based training program for enhancing infection control knowledge and adherence among nursing staff, compared to traditional training methods. The program's effectiveness is assessed through pre-test and post-test evaluations of knowledge and adherence levels, revealing significant improvements in the experimental group. METHOD A quasi-experimental design was used, involving an experimental group that received the VR-based training and a control group that did not. Both groups were assessed using pre-test and post-test measures for knowledge and adherence to infection control practices. Statistical analyses, including t-tests and chi-square tests, were conducted to determine the significance of the results. RESULTS The study found significant improvements in both knowledge and adherence to infection control practices in the experimental group that received VR-based training. Knowledge scores rose from a mean of 5.2 (26%) pre-test to 14.8 (74%) post-test, and adherence scores increased from 2.62 (26.2%) to 7.62 (76.2%), both with a highly significant t-value of 22.25. In contrast, the control group showed minimal, statistically significant but not substantial changes. Chi-square analysis revealed that demographic factors like age, gender, and prior training significantly influenced pre-test scores in the experimental group, underscoring their impact on the training program's effectiveness. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION The virtual reality-based infection control training program significantly improved knowledge and adherence to hygiene practices among nursing staff in the experimental group. The substantial increase in post-test scores demonstrates the effectiveness of VR-based training in healthcare education. The study also suggests that demographic factors impact baseline knowledge and adherence, highlighting the need for tailored educational interventions to enhance effectiveness.

Key words: Effectiveness, Virtual Reality-Based Infection Control Training Program, Adherence, hygiene practices Medical-Surgical Unit, Health Outcomes