Is possible to train health professionals in prevention of high-risk pathogens like the Ebola by using the mobile phone?

Abstract

Health professionals are a concerning risk population because of the high prevalence of exposure to biological, especially during training that involves procedures implying direct contact with bodily fluids. Notwithstanding, the considerable advance of information and communication technologies (ICTs) during the last decades has provided with the divergence of new paths of research applied to training in the health field, allowing it integration in the field of biological risk prevention. The objectives of this study are: firstly, to estimate the level of knowledge about risk situations and the immediate response capacity of future professionals, prepare health professionals before different scenarios that can be presented in health care, and contribute to the appropriate decision making in possible scenarios. Secondly, to design and develop a mobile web application that, in a fast and ever-present manner, allows the healthcare professional, to have a quick response system that is clear and concise; and to evaluate by health students’ and professionals’ opinions the effectiveness of the technology developed. This study has been structured in two phases: first, to determine the degree of knowledge and compliance of biosecurity measures; and second, to perform a dual evaluation of the application. The survey of graduating students concerning practices has shown that the knowledge of risk prevention is adequate; meanwhile, a dynamic and efficient platform has been obtained, and its double assessment is satisfactory. It has been shown that the incidence of biological accidents is in the mean of the results of previous studies. An upgradeable web platform, ubiquitous and capable of being used in any electronic device available in the market, was obtained