Using game thinking and mechanics in a non-game context, such as in a hospital or at a patient's bedside, may be a way to measurably improve hand hygiene compliance, according to a study published in Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control.
Researchers placed beacons at specific points of hand hygiene, such as alcohol-based rub containers, sinks and patient bedsides. These beacons interacted with a wearable device placed on nurses' outfits that detected and measured proximity to the beacons.
The study concludes the while the impact of gamification on hand hygience compliance is still under evaluation, the results significant improvements in nurses' awareness. The nurses who participated in the research said they recognized it as a valuable measure to improve hand hygiene compliance and performance.