Virtual Reality Module Depicting Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection as Educational Tool to Reduce Antibiotic Resistant Hospital-Acquired Bacterial Infections

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are used as simulation models in student-patient interactive medical education and shown to enhance learning outcomes. The rise in global burden of infectious diseases accompanied with the significant rise in antibiotic resistance world-wide prompt immediate action to combat the emerging threat of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Urinary tract infections are common bacterial infections. Urinary catheters are commonly used in hospitalized patients and catheter associated urinary infections (CAUTI) are the leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. The aim of this research is to develop a virtual reality (VR) based educational tool depicting the process of CAUTI caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria. The VR-CAUTI module is designed to bring awareness and provide insights to health care providers and community which help in reducing the burden and spread of antibiotic resistant infections. VR based modules have the potential to transform and revolutionize learning experience and render medical education compatible with the IoT in the current 4th industrial revolution.