Simulating Epidemics

The Center for the Advancement of Distance Education (CADE) at the University of Illinois at Chicago is working with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to train epidemiologists and other health care workers to respond effectively to various infection crises:

The first game, which took three months to develop, trains health workers to respond to an anthrax outbreak. A massive flu pandemic simulation is in the works.

Players learn how to set up MASH sites, evaluate patients and dispense drugs. They also are trained to distribute medications to health-care sites and notify the public, instructing people on what to do -- without instilling panic.

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The game also helps health workers and volunteers cross-train for more than one job. Crisis teams are typically understaffed. The scoring helps players determine what they are good at and what skills they need to sharpen.

A multiplayer prototype is being developed to train teams of health specialists to work together.

Sounds like valuable stuff in the light of the flu pandemic warnings we're hearing with more frequency.