Abstract:

ANGELS (Augmented Reality Network Generating Learning on Safety) is an European Project (Lifelong Learning Program: 518015-LLP-1-2011-1-IT-LEONARDO-LMP) aimed to create a training system based on Augmented Reality that provides training on the job, tutoring, retraining and updating about safety and prevention within work environments in the health sector (Quero et al., 2012). ANGELS is formed by a Consortium of public and private organizations in Italy, France, the Czech Republic, and Spain. A first step before the design of the training program is to carry out the analysis of the different risks and populations involved in these risks, as well as the analysis of the training programs that are already being implemented.

This paper presents the needs analysis carried out in Spain about these issues with the objective of getting a general framework of the priority risks in safety at work within health context in our country. Two focus groups were performed with a sample composed by 8 participants who worked in public health care settings (5 physicians and 3 nurses). The analyzed variables were the type of risks that workers had to deal with, the frequency and severity of these risks, the sources of the risk and involved staff, damages occurred and, finally, the training activities that were developed to inform about the risks.

Information obtained from the focus groups showed that the most performed activities were the handling of bed-bound patients, and the manipulation of biological materials, the tools, and bandage materials. Respondents indicated that they not always followed the recommended instructions in some activities of risk. Regarding damages occurred in the last 3 years, they reported damages such as injuries, falls, contusions, pricking, scratching, abrasion by a sharp instrument, infections, dermatitis, and damages in different muscle groups. Furthermore, they also suffered from stress as psychological damage. Populations who suffered from these damages were mainly nurses and auxiliary nurses. Finally, as for the training in safety, they received it at the moment of admission and then at least once a year (workshops, courses, clinical sessions, webpage, informative bulletins, etc.). Focus group participants thought that the best strategy to train in risk prevention would be raising the awareness of employees and sensitizing about frequent damages. Regarding the creation of a system that provided them information about their activities, participants reported ideas such as using manuals, audiovisual material, internet, meetings, and also “friendly” audits. Results derived from this study provide important information to take into account in the development of the Augmented Reality training program of ANGELS project.

Keywords:

Augmented Reality, learning, safety at work, health care.