The People’s War Against Pandemic: protocol for a randomized control trial based on a virtual interactive training system intervention to improve the emergency preparedness of public for major emerging infectious diseases

Abstract

Background: The frequent occurrence and increasing severity of major emerging infectious diseases (MEIDs) have posed considerable public health, economic and social issues worldwide. The emergency preparedness of public is inadequate to respond to and recover from MEIDs. Due to the limitation of time, space and resources, it is also difficult to carry out large-scale emergency preparedness training related to MEIDs. Then we developed a virtual interactive training system to improve emergency preparedness of public, including preparation of legal compliance, emergency knowledge, emergency capacity, economic estimation, material reserve and physical and mental health. Methods: A protocol for conducting a randomized controlled trail to evaluate the People’s War against Pandemic, a virtual interactive training system aimed to improve emergency preparedness of public for MEIDs. During the intervention, participants need to complete the storyline task at least once a day, watch at least one article and one video in the knowledge corner, and complete a retest of wrong choices in the intelligent evaluation module. The primary outcome is emergency preparedness of public for MEIDs. The secondary outcome is prevention and control knowledge of MEIDs. Discussion: The People’s War Against Pandemic may be an effective approach to provide public with a panoramic understanding of the response to MEIDs, so as to promote their comprehensive preparation and finally achieve effective response. Trial registration: This study was funded in 2021 and registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2200060919) in June 2022. Recruitment and enrollment of participants began in July 2022.