Efficacy of an innovative educational tool of healthcare staff based on air-flow simulation in a post-anesthesia care unit: a quasi-experimental epidemiological study

The risks of respiratory cross-transmission in hospital settings remain underestimated, particularly in post-anesthesia care units (PACUs), which are characterized by high patient and healthcare worker density and complex ventilation systems. The objective of this study was to model the dispersion of respiratory particles within a PACU, develop an innovative educational tool based on a digital twin, and evaluate its impact on healthcare workers’ knowledge and risk perception. A 305 m² PACU (22 beds) was modeled using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations (PowerFLOW ® ) coupled with particle dispersion analysis. Each virtual patient emitted particles for 10 min. “Emitter” and “receiver” scores were calculated to quantify the capacity to disperse or receive particles, respectively. An augmented reality (AR) educational tool incorporating simulation results was developed. Additionally, a 25-item knowledge assessment questionnaire was administered to 254 healthcare workers, divided into three groups: control (A), traditional training (B), and traditional training combined with the innovative educational tool (C). Knowledge and risk perception were evaluated before the intervention (M0) and three months afterward (M3). Simulations revealed marked heterogeneity in airflow patterns and a strong dependence of particle dispersion on patient positioning, identifying high-risk zones for emission and reception. Regarding the questionnaire, 155 healthcare workers responded at M0 and 60 at M3. Knowledge scores significantly increased between M0 and M3 (8 [7-10] vs. 10 [8-11.2], p < 0.001). The improvement was significant in group C (β = 1.77; 95% CI [0.49-3.05]; p = 0.009). Risk perception, initially high, did not vary significantly. This study highlights the complexity of particle dispersion dynamics in PACUs and the importance of targeted training. Combining structured education with an immersive educational tool significantly improves healthcare workers’ knowledge of respiratory transmission. These findings support the integration of interactive digital solutions into hospital infection prevention programs.