Abstract:

Microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria can cause diseases with rapid transmission and mortality, as we have experienced in the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Although we have responded effectively to this emergency, there are currently unresolved issues, such as the development of antibiotic resistance by pathogenic bacteria. This phenomenon is considered one of the greatest global threats to public health in the 21st century [1]. One of the main factors exacerbating the issue of antibiotic resistance is misinformation regarding their responsible use. The lack of education is not only evident in the adult population but is also a problem observed in both school and university-level education. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate behaviour habits focused on the proper use of antibiotics, as well as the importance of hygiene and prevention, into educational curricula. Given that traditional teaching methodologies have not been solving this problem, it becomes necessary to implement innovative and more effective teaching methods. In this regard, the use of new technologies such as ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) can better align with the reality of digital natives, offering a more dynamic, flexible, participatory, and motivating learning experience for students. One of the most innovative ICT developments in recent years is Virtual Reality (VR), which is becoming increasingly more affordable and simpler to use.

The present work aims to reflect the necessity of incorporating new teaching methodologies such as VR in University-level education. For this purpose, an educational resource based on VR has been developed using the CoSpace Edu software. The aim is to overcome the general lack of knowledge identified among university students regarding microorganisms, antibiotic resistance, and effective hygiene measures for the prevention of infectious diseases. During this activity, students will immerse themselves in a healthcare setting and will participate as 'patients' in their clinical diagnosis based on their symptoms. The students will have to answer various questions posed by the doctor until they receive the diagnosis (viral or bacterial infection) and the recommended treatment (with or without antibiotics). The application developed here could be of great assistance in raising awareness among students about the importance of the responsible use of antibiotics and the adoption of hygienic measures to prevent infectious diseases.

References:
[1] Hofer, U. (2019). The cost of antimicrobial resistance. Nat Rev Microbiol, 17(3). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-018-0125-x

Keywords:

Antibiotic, resistance, ICT, virtual reality.