In the frame of the STEP_UP game project, AFEdemy interviewed politician and policy officers about the proposed scenario of the prime-minister.
By Willeke van Staalduinen, AFEdemy
Almost one year ago, the STEP_UP game project started (Stop epidemic growth through learning, Erasmus+ KA2 Action, 2020-2023). Coordinator is SHINE 2Europe and as partner AFEdemy is responsible for the production of the Manual on social and policy interventions. The project team will develop an online serious game in which the learner can follow a chronological path from early detection to exit strategies from pandemics. The learner can also choose between playing different roles in the game: to step in the shoes of a prime minister, volunteer, nurse in a long term care institution, manager of a primary care organisation or being an epidemiological or public health expert.
AFEdemy developed the scenario of Mrs. Britta Johnson. Vice prime minister and minister of Health on a fictive island who is confronted with the detection of a strange virus in Europe. Because the prime minister is absent for a longer period, she needs to take the decision to isolate the island and to take measures regarding the population and visitors of the island. AFEdemy discussed the scenarios with a (former) politician and several policy officers from municipalities and ministries. All experts found the scenarios really good and added some comments to improve the scenarios. The most important lesson AFEdemy learned is that it is very important to have a dedicated team of experts around you and to focus on the communication. Communication must be transparent and providing true realistic messages to the public and avoid fake news. The main target group of the game is social and health workers, volunteers and supporting workers at municipalities.