The patient visit

Theory vs Practice

ViRTUE is designed to let you apply and deepen previously taught hand-hygiene knowledge in a realistic training situation.

What ViRTUE does (and what it does not)

ViRTUE is a practical exercise tool, not a teaching aid for theory. In a simulated patient visit, users practise typical task steps and apply what they have already learned about hand hygiene. In this way, existing knowledge is consolidated and deepened in a realistic situation.

During the training, users receive direct feedback on whether the rules of hand hygiene were followed correctly. Which rules ViRTUE checks is described under Hand hygiene rules.

Required prior knowledge

It is assumed that users have already been introduced to the fundamentals of hand hygiene before their first training. Particularly important is an understanding of the relevant indications for hand disinfection, that is, the moments at which the hands must be disinfected.

These indications form the benchmark against which ViRTUE measures users’ actions. Those who do not know them can still act within the simulation but will not be able to make sense of the feedback. The hand-hygiene model used in ViRTUE is explained under Four moments of hand hygiene.

Where it fits in the training flow

Within the training sequence, ViRTUE deliberately follows the theory and does not replace it:

1. Theory first. Users are introduced to the fundamentals of hand hygiene and the relevant indications for hand disinfection.
2. Then ViRTUE as practical exercise. The knowledge learned is applied in the simulated patient visit, with direct feedback on every step.
3. Joint discussion. Afterwards, the operator discusses the mistakes made with the user and thereby deepens their understanding.

It is part of the concept that an operator is always present to steer the training and to put the feedback into context with the user. More on this under Two-person model.