A VR-Based Game for WASH FIT Training to Assess and Minimize Health Risks in Healthcare Facilities

Viral infections and diseases can easily spread in medical healthcare facilities, making sanitation and hygiene significant factors in maintaining safety protocols. However, several countries struggle in this aspect due to a lack of resources and awareness. The Water and Sanitation for Health Facility Improvement Tool (WASH FIT) is a self-assessment tool designed by WHO and UNICEF to help small primary healthcare facilities improve their quality of care, reduce the risk of infections, and enhance patient safety, as maintaining high standards of hygiene and sanitation in lower-resource settings can be challenging. The proposed game aims to leverage immersive virtual reality (VR) technology to promote the adoption and implementation of WASH FIT in healthcare facilities. By simulating real-world scenarios, the game will educate healthcare workers on the importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices, guide them through the WASH FIT assessment process, and provide actionable solutions to address identified gaps. Additionally, the game will incorporate engaging, puzzle-based tasks to enhance learning retention and make the training process more interactive and enjoyable. Through this innovative approach, the game seeks to improve WASH standards, reduce the spread of infections, and contribute to broader public health goals, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where resources are limited. A player satisfaction survey will be utilized to evaluate its effectiveness, entertainment value, and potential for real-world application, ensuring it meets the needs of its target audience while fostering long-term behavioral change.