Operational Outcomes and Future Directions of a Joint Public-private Infection Control Simulation Training Program.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to analyze the operational outcomes and evaluate the effectiveness of a newly implemented joint public-private infection control simulation training program. This initiative was designed to strengthen the collaborative capacity between healthcare facilities and local governments to effectively respond to healthcare-associated infection outbreaks.

METHODS

The simulation training involved 10 sessions, with a total of 422 participants, comprising 263 healthcare personnel and 159 local government officials. Scenarios and manuals were developed to reflect the domestic healthcare environment. Evaluation methods included quantitative pre- and post-training surveys and qualitative assessments from an operational workshop. Statistical analyses employed paired t-tests and, where appropriate, the Wilcoxon test.

RESULTS

All 422 participants completed the simulation training. Post-training assessments indicated statistically significant improvements in participants' knowledge, which increased from 10.0 (±1.4) to 10.5 (±1.0); perception competency, which increased from 4.5 (±0.5) to 4.7 (±0.4); and performance competency, which increased from 3.4 (±0.8) to 4.0 (±0.7). The overall satisfaction rate averaged 4.7 points. Qualitative workshop assessments confirmed that facilitators played a crucial role in moderating discussions, enhancing situational comprehension, and guiding problem-solving.

CONCLUSIONS

The simulation training, facilitated by skilled moderators, significantly enhanced participants' knowledge, perception, and performance competencies. Based on these findings, future improvements should focus on refining scenarios to better delineate the roles of local governments, diversifying courses to address practical needs, and enhancing the operational systems for facilitators.