JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

As many countries fear and even experience the emergence of a second wave of COVID-19, reminding healthcare workers (HCW) and other hospital employees of the critical role they play in avoiding SARS-CoV-2 transmission is more important than ever. Building and strengthening the intrinsic motivation of HCW to apply infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines to avoid contaminating their colleagues, patients, friends and relatives is a goal that must be energetically pursued. A high rate of nosocomial infections during the first COVID wave was detected by the IPC specialists and further cemented their belief in the need for an engaging intervention which could improve compliance with COVID safe behaviors.

Objective:

Our aim was to develop a serious game which would promote IPC practices with a specific focus on COVID-19 among HCW and other hospital employees.

Methods:

The first three stages of the SERES framework were used to develop this serious game. A brainswarming session between developers and IPC specialists was used to identify the target audience and acquisition objectives. Nicholson’s RECIPE mnemonic (reflection, engagement, choice, information, play, exposition) for meaningful gamification was used to guide the general design. A common and simple terminology was used to suit the broad target audience. The game was tested on various platforms (smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers) by different users during each development loop and before its final release.

Results:

The game was designed to target all hospital staff who could be in direct contact with patients within the Geneva University Hospitals. Ten acquisition objectives were defined by IPC specialists and implemented into the game according to the principles of meaningful gamification. A simple storyboard was first created under Microsoft PowerPoint and progressively refined through multiple iteration loops. Articulate Storyline was then used to create two successive versions of the actual game. In the final version, a unique graphic atmosphere was created thanks to Eric Buche, a professional graphic designer. Feedback mechanisms were used extensively throughout the game to strengthen key IPC messages.

Conclusions:

The SERES framework was successfully used to create “Escape COVID-19”, a serious game designed to promote safe IPC practices among HCW and other hospital employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.