Edge AI augmented reality hand hygiene training for healthcare students and staff
Effectiveness of an Edge AI-based Augmented Reality System for Hand Hygiene Training: a Multi-centre, Mixed-methods Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial
This trial will test an Edge AI-powered augmented reality system that gives real-time, personalised handwashing training for healthcare students and hospital staff.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Wuhan, Hubei and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07280026 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This multi-centre, mixed-methods cluster randomised non-inferiority trial compares an Edge AI-based augmented reality (AR) training and assessment system with instructional video plus scanner feedback to improve hand hygiene knowledge and practice. It will recruit undergraduate health-related students, healthcare professionals, and supporting staff across three sites in Hong Kong and Wuhan. Participants complete pre- and post-training assessments including observed handwashing with fluorescent markers, knowledge tests, and selected qualitative interviews to capture user experience. The AR system runs inference at the edge to provide immediate, individualized guidance aimed at scalable, instructor-independent training.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults (18+) who are enrolled in health-related undergraduate programs or work as healthcare professionals or supporting staff at the participating institutions and can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: People with active hand skin conditions, known allergies to the fluorescent markers or hygiene products, those who cannot follow instructions, or those not located at the participating sites are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the system could improve hand hygiene technique and adherence, potentially reducing healthcare-associated infections and lowering training costs.
How similar studies have performed: Previous digital feedback and video-based hand hygiene interventions have shown modest improvements in compliance, but Edge AI-powered augmented reality approaches are novel and not yet widely tested in multi-centre randomized trials.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Undergraduate students enrolled in health-related disciplines (e.g., nursing, medicine, rehabilitation sciences, medical laboratory science) at participating universities * Healthcare professionals or supporting staff working in participating hospitals * Able to provide informed consent * Willing to participate in both pre- and post-training assessments during the same study visit * Aged 18 years or above Exclusion Criteria: * Known allergy or skin irritation to fluorescent powder or hand hygiene products * Current visible skin conditions (e.g., dermatitis, eczema, open wounds) on hands that may interfere with handwashing assessment * Unable to understand or follow the training instructions * Refusal or inability to provide written informed consent
Where this trial is running
Wuhan, Hubei and 2 other locations
- Tongji Hospital — Wuhan, Hubei, China (Not_yet_recruiting)
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hung Hom, Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong — Shatin, Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lin Yang, Doctor
- Email: l.yang@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: +852 2766 6398
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.