Serious Games: A new Approach to Foster Information and Practices About Covid-19?

Abstract

The current Covid-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented global challenge in the field of education and training. As we have seen, the lack of proper information about the virus and its transmission has forced the general population and healthcare workers to rapidly acquire knowledge and learn new practices. Clearly, a well-informed population is more likely to adopt the correct precautionary measures, thus reducing the transmission of the infection; likewise, properly educated healthcare workers are better equipped to manage the emergency. However, the need to maintain physical distancing has made it impossible to provide in-presence information and training. In this regard, new technologies have proved to be an invaluable resource by facilitating distance learning. Indeed, e-learning offers significant advantages because it does not require the physical presence of learners and teachers. This innovative method applied to serious games has been considered potentially effective in enabling rapid and large-scale dissemination of information and learning through content interactivity. We will review studies that have observed the development and use of serious games to foster information and practices about Covid-19 aimed at promoting behavioral changes in the population and the healthcare personnel involved on the front line.

Games in Times of a Pandemic: Structured Overview of COVID-19 Serious Games

“…This implies that the games developed in response to the recent pandemic could potentially serve as a basis for future games, indicating a need to explore the landscape of COVID-19-themed games. Apart from a recent analysis of 5 studies that evaluated 4 games in total [45], to date, no comprehensive reviews that could help evaluate the various game design decisions for this specific context have been published. Thus, the overview presented in this paper aims to inform the design of similar game-based interventions by showcasing the diversity of intentions and design strategies.…”

Developing a Video Game as an Awareness and Research Tool Based on SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiological Dynamics and Motivational Perspectives

“…Regarding epidemiological sciences, several studies mobilize video games to trace the decisional trajectories of players. Tis attachment to serious games in the context of studies on epicrisis management shows an interest in the medium, which constitutes a relatively innovative approach to convey information and promote prevention [18][19][20][21]. Regarding SARS-Cov-2, several projects investigate the impact of serious games on changing players' perceptions of preventive measures [22].…”

Serious game for radiotherapy training

“…This is crucial in environments where traditional training may fall short, such as during pandemics when in-person training is limited. Montalbano et al 's work underscores that serious games can facilitate a quicker and broader understanding of necessary safety and medical procedures than traditional educational methods, making them particularly valuable in urgent and evolving health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic[26]. This adaptability and immediacy in teaching complex procedures exemplify serious games' potential in enhancing educational efficacy under constrained conditions.• It significantly improves immediate knowledge acquisition as seen in domains such as oral diagnosis and treatment planning.…”