Innovative Virtual Reality Training Reduces Infection Risks in Portable Medical Devices

Researchers at Mass General Brigham have developed a cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) training program aimed at enhancing infection control practices among healthcare professionals. This immersive tool focuses specifically on the proper cleaning and disinfecting of portable medical equipment, such as blood pressure cuffs, glucometers, and portable imaging devices, which are frequently contaminated and pose significant risks for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

The VR training module has undergone successful pilot testing across seven healthcare facilities nationwide. Its goal is to improve staff competency, increase adherence to infection prevention protocols, and ultimately elevate patient safety standards. The training employs head-mounted displays to simulate real-world clinical environments, allowing users to visually identify and understand the invisible threats of contamination. It incorporates gamification elements and visual cues to engage learners actively and reinforce best practices.

A key feature of the program is guiding clinicians through the disinfection process for two specific devices: vital signs monitors and point-of-care ultrasound machines. Participants report high satisfaction levels, with many noting their enjoyment and the immersive nature of the experience. Some initial discomfort, such as motion sickness, was observed among a few users, but overall, the feedback was largely positive. Ongoing studies are now evaluating whether this training improves knowledge, skills, and long-term adherence to infection control protocols.

The significance of this innovation lies in its potential to address longstanding challenges in infection prevention. Despite awareness of the importance of proper device disinfection, traditional training methods have often fallen short in maintaining consistent practice. The use of VR offers a visual, engaging approach that could lead to better retention and application of infection control measures.

Healthcare-associated infections affect 1 in 31 hospitalized patients, causing nearly 100,000 deaths each year and incurring over $28 billion in medical costs annually. A substantial proportion of these infections are linked to contaminated portable equipment, which can be transmitted from patient to patient if not properly disinfected. This VR training tool represents a promising advancement in reducing such risks through improved education and practice.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-virtual-reality-tool-combats-contamination.html