{"id":11364,"date":"2024-11-06T09:28:32","date_gmt":"2024-11-06T09:28:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/8d.nl\/nienke-beerlage-de-jong-on-the-creative-intervention-ezoon\/"},"modified":"2025-03-20T12:16:08","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T12:16:08","slug":"nienke-beerlage-de-jong-on-the-creative-intervention-ezoon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/8d.nl\/en\/nienke-beerlage-de-jong-on-the-creative-intervention-ezoon\/","title":{"rendered":"Nienke Beerlage-de Jong on the Creative Intervention eZoon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Nienke Beerlage-de Jong is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, Health, and Technology at the University of Twente.<\/strong> Her research focuses on infectious diseases and One Health, a field that interconnects the health of humans, animals, and the planet. She works on complex, so-called \u2018wicked challenges\u2019 that require interdisciplinary collaboration. In partnership with 8D, she developed the intervention eZoon<\/a>. Photo: Klaas-Jelmer Sixma<\/em> \n<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Can you tell us a bit about the eZoon research program?<\/strong> \n\u201cThe eZoon program was initiated to improve preparedness for zoonotic outbreaks: diseases that can spread from animals to humans, like avian flu or Q fever. In these situations, a diverse group of stakeholders \u2013 including doctors, veterinarians, policymakers, and public health officials \u2013must collaborate. However, with varied interests, priorities, and limited time, effective teamwork can be challenging. Still, clear communication and collaboration are essential for a successful response. As part of the eZoon program\u2014originally part of Health-i-Care and funded by INTERREG\u2014we explored ways to strengthen communication and teamwork around zoonoses, focusing on persuasive technologies like serious games and other interactive tools.\u201d \n<\/p>\n\n

Two key outputs of the eZoon program are an informational website for the general public and a serious game designed for professionals. Why did you choose to develop a game?<\/strong> \n\u201cThe advantage of games is their ability to convincingly simulate real situations. In a zoonosis outbreak, professionals must act quickly while handling complex dilemmas. What do you do when there\u2019s a conflict between public health and the livestock sector, and an immediate decision is needed? Creating a sense of time pressure\u2014by incorporating a countdown clock in the scenarios, for example\u2014significantly enhances the learning experience. Moreover, a digital tool helps eliminate logistical and organizational barriers, which is crucial in an already overburdened sector like healthcare.\u201d \n<\/p>\n\n

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