Virtual Reality Infection Control Training for Healthcare Workers During the Hajj Season

NCT07111910 | Not Yet Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: Ubisha-01
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 200
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (VR) training on improving infection control preparedness among healthcare workers during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does VR training improve healthcare workers' knowledge, confidence, and preparedness for infection control compared to traditional training? Are there differences in outcomes between the VR training and traditional lecture-based education?

Conditions

Infection Control Training; Clinical Competence; Virtual Reality; Health Personnel; Mass Gathering Medicine

Keywords

Virtual Reality Training; Infection Control; Hajj Pilgrimage; Healthcare Workers; Simulation Education

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Infection Control Knowledge Score From Baseline to Post-Training

  Participants will complete a validated multiple-choice infection control knowledge test. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater knowledge. A score improvement of ≥15% is considered clinically meaningful.

  From enrollment to 1 week post-training

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Self-Reported Preparedness and Confidence in Infection Control

  From enrollment to 1 week post-training

Study Arms (2)

VR infection control training

EXPERIMENTAL

Delivered via a headset-based immersive environment designed specifically for Hajj mass gathering scenarios. Training duration is 30-40 minutes and includes interactive modules and performance-based feedback.

Device: Virtual Reality Infection Control Training

Traditional Training Arm

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in this arm will attend a standard infection control lecture, presented in PowerPoint format by an infection control expert. Content mirrors the topics covered in the VR module but is delivered passively.

Interventions

Virtual Reality Infection Control Training DEVICE

This study evaluates a VR training program designed specifically to improve infection control skills among healthcare workers during the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the world's largest mass gatherings. Unlike traditional training, this VR intervention offers immersive, realistic simulations tailored to the unique cultural and environmental challenges of Hajj. It focuses on practical skill-building and clinical readiness in crowded, high-risk settings. Using a rigorous randomized controlled trial design, the study aims to show that VR training is more effective than conventional methods, potentially setting a new standard for infection control education in mass gathering healthcare.

VR infection control training

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 20 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Aged 20 and above
• Assigned to work in Hajj healthcare settings
• Licensed healthcare worker (nurse, physician, EMT, etc.)
• Able to provide informed consent
• Fluent in Arabic or English

You may not qualify if:

• History of epilepsy or motion sickness triggered by VR
• Severe visual or cognitive impairments

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Bisha: lead

Related Links

• A Systematic Review of Virtual Reality Features for Skill Training

Study Officials

• Noha M Ibrahim, PhD

  University of Bisha

  STUDY DIRECTOR

• Mohammed O Alanazi, PhD

  University of Bisha

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Mohammed O Alanazi, PhD

CONTACT

+966533993350; malanazi@ub.edu.sa

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Dr. Mohammed Alanazi, PhD, MSN, RN

Model Details: participants - healthcare workers involved in Hajj health services - will be randomly assigned to two groups: one group will receive VR-based infection control training, while the other will receive traditional training methods. The VR training immerses participants in realistic, interactive simulations that replicate infection control challenges they may face during Hajj. This immersive approach allows them to practice skills safely and repeatedly, enhancing their ability to respond confidently and correctly in real-life situations.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 1, 2025
• First Posted: August 8, 2025
• Study Start: January 20, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): January 21, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): April 1, 2027
• Last Updated: August 8, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share