VIMP “Infectious Disease Prevention: A Serious Game”
For people with a mild intellectual disability (MID), it is challenging to adhere to measures designed to prevent infectious diseases. Therefore, a ‘Serious Game’ was developed in 2023, created for and by people with MID. In this game, participants learn about infectious diseases and how to prevent them. This VIMP project is a continuation of this initiative. In this project, they focused on game improvement, increasing support, and ensuring its sustainable implementation within healthcare organisations.
Goal
The project focused on 3 objectives:
- Improving the product from a technical perspective.
- Establishing an advisory group to respond to developments related to infectious diseases, pandemic preparedness, and the lived experiences of people with a MID. The involved experts provided guidance for implementing content-related adjustments.
- Carrying out implementation activities and engaging with administrative and policy-level stakeholders to promote acceptance and adoption of the game.
Approach
MediaJungle was responsible for the technical development of the game and the corresponding website, ensuring that the technology, content, and design were better aligned with the theme of infectious diseases.
The Verwey-Jonker Institute focused on the acceptance and implementation of the Serious Game within participating care institutions. This included organising a kick-off meeting, establishing the advisory group, conducting surveys, in-depth interviews and focus group with professionals in care institutions and experts with MID. The project concluded with a set of recommendations for care institutions for implementation and a closing event for all partners.
Collaboration partners
Within the VIMP project, professionals and experts by experience from care institutions collaborated with researchers and technicians. Verwey-Jonker Institute conducted implementation research at participating organisations such as ASVZ and Amerpoort. These care institutions contributed a wealth of expertise through professionals and experts by experience. MediaJungle worked on the technical sustainability of the Serious Game. An advisory group was formed, consisting of experts from public health services (GGDs), universities, and individuals with lived experience of MID, with a focus on long-term impact. Collaboration between professionals from different disciplines is crucial to continue aligning with current developments in infectious diseases and the digital world of people with MID.
Results
The project resulted in an improved ‘Virus in de Jungle’, with impact for clients, relatives, professionals, and other stakeholders. This includes:
- Interactivity & Accessibility: A low-threshold Serious Game that offers engaging and accessible knowledge about preventing infectious diseases.
- Social & Scientific Value: Increased awareness and pandemic preparedness, relevant for current and future challenges.
- Sustainability & Scalability: A robust, rapidly deployable infrastructure for future pandemics or infectious disease outbreaks.
- Technical Improvements: New templates, updated design, and integrated mini-games.
- Implementation in Care Institutions: Concrete recommendations for successful acceptance and sustainable use of the Serious Game. A short introductory video created by the intended users themselves.
Follow-up activities
The improved Virus in the Jungle is currently available for free. The info sheet with implementation advice and the video can be accessed through Verwey-Jonker Instituut.
During the VIMP project, professionals and experts by experience expressed a wish to address other health-related themes in an accessible Serious Game, such as STIs, substance use, nutrition, and physical activity. These topics were discussed at the closing event, and input was gathered for potential expansion of the game.