It’s game on in the fight against virus
Gaming experts at Paisley’s university have created software that trains medics how to treat people with Covid-19.
Based on computer games technology, the online program will better equip staff with the skills and knowledge required to assess and treat coronavirus patients.
It allows trainees to view the patient from all angles, assess their symptoms, review their notes, consider all the vital signs and make decisions on diagnosis and treatment.
It has been developed by the Paisleybased Scottish Centre for Enabling Technologies ( SCET) - part of the University of the West of Scotland’s school of computing, engineering and physical sciences - in partnership with Napier University’s school of health and social care.
Dr David Ndzi, from UWS, said: “The outbreak and rapid spread of Covid-19 has highlighted the challenges in training a large workforce in a short space of time to cope with a rapidly changing situation.
“The role of technology and decentralised training in this type of scenario is crucial and UWS has the skill set to develop practical and interactive virtual training, thereby eliminating challenges associated with lack of equipment and costs.”
Dr Ruth Paterson, from Edinburgh’s Napier University, added: “At Napier, we are constantly seeking out innovative approaches to teaching and learning and during this pandemic it is crucial we meet the education needs of healthcare professionals.
“The interactive nature of the simulation game is aimed at promoting a deeper understanding of caring for people who are severely ill with Covid-19.”
The interactive nature of the program overcomes some of the limitations that distance learning can encounter, including passive learning and lack of equipment, as well as the costs associated with delivering large-scale training in a changing situation.
The program can be used anywhere at any time and will be updated and developed as new information is supplied.