Interactive Simulations

The Pandemics and Borders research team has generated data and analysis to inform and improve decision-making on the effective use of international travel measures in response to potential pandemic events. Using this data and analysis, the team has produced several interactive simulations which are now available for broader audiences. These simulations all take place in the fictional world of Zecan.

Available simulations range from single participant to team-based and include a variety of formats to achieve different learning outcomes. The aim of the simulations as a whole is to achieve the following learning objectives:  

  • Increased knowledge of the use of travel measures in different contexts, through engagement with risk-based scenarios and available choices.
  • Ability to use developed scenarios and pilot training exercises to ensure better cohesion, collaboration, and decision-making during the next PHEICs.
  • Understanding that appropriate decisions related to travel measures are more likely to arise from evidence-informed and systematic processes.

Welcome to Zecan!

 

Zecan is the imaginary world created by the Pandemics and Borders team in which these simulations take place. The issues, tensions and challenges in Zecan are similar to our own world. Using this fictional setting allows participants to not be distracted by the complexity of the real world, and instead focus on the key decisions of national leaders on the continent of Zecan.

Each of the countries in Zecan have varying public health capacity, economies and public health systems. There are six different countries in Zecan: two high income, two middle income and two lower income, allowing participants to experience the unique challenges faced by countries with differing resources.  

Countries of Zecan:

  • Giladon

    Population: 25 Million

    Base ICU Capacity: 650

    Income Classification: Low Income Country

    Government Type: Illiberal Democracy

  • Swacor

    Population: 50 Million

    Base ICU capacity: 20000

    Income Classification: High Income Country

    Government Type: Liberal, Presidential Democracy

  • Mepria

    Population: 80 Million

    Base ICU Capacity: 2600

    Income Classification: Middle Income Country

    Government Type: Illiberal Authoritarian Regime

  • Edresh

    Population: 5 Million

    Base ICU Capacity: 250

    Income Classification: Low Income Country

    Government Type: Liberal Democracy

  • Theurus

    Population: 35 Million

    Base ICU Capacity: 5000

    Income Classification: High Income Country

    Government Type: Liberal, Parliamentary, Democracy

  • Pansong

    Population: 40 Million

    Base ICU Capacity: 2000

    Income Classification: High Income Country

    Government Type: Liberal Democracy

Our Simulations

Pandemic Passport

Pandemic Passport is a single-participant online simulation that aims to allow each participant to experience the complexity of decision-making using travel measures. The simulation is within a context of limited and often conflicting information, much like the real world. Acting as a senior government advisor, the participant seeks out information from a variety of sources, before issuing recommendations on travel measure implementation. The simulation encourages reflection on how different viewpoints and perspectives impact the position of the final decision maker. The participant also learns about different approaches to travel measures during PHEICs, their effects, and the trade-offs they pose.

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Experience the complexity of travel measures decision-making with limited time and imperfect, sometimes even conflicting information.
  • Reflect on personal and group biases and choices when seeking and evaluating information.
  • Understand different approaches to travel measures during a pandemic, their effects and trade-offs.

COVID-35

COVID-35 is an in-person or virtual multi-participant pandemic response interactive simulation. Participants work in teams as national leaders of six fictional countries. The simulation aims to enhance understanding of the complex policy-making environment in which social, economic, public health and political considerations are interconnected. In each round, participants have to make time-sensitive decisions in response to the evolving pandemic. Participants then receive feedback on the public health and secondary impacts of these choices.  The simulation is delivered using supporting software which provides feedback using modelling based on the responses of the six teams.

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Understand varied consequences and trade-offs when using public health measures, including travel.
  • Practice effective and efficient cooperation to make decisions amid time and resource pressures.
  • Develop strong interpersonal relationships within and across teams to navigate different interests, support diplomatic negotiations, and advance shared interests.  

Under Development

Pandemic Travel Taskforce

The goal of this interactive simulation is to have participants form policy as a group. Using the risk-based decision instrument, participants work together to form consensus and make national decisions around border management in the context of an evolving PHEIC. The simulation experience underscores that good decisions are often ones that are made the right way, not necessarily the right decisions.

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the role of a risk-based decision instrument to support decision-making processes during an evolving PHEIC.
  • Recognize the different types of risk to be considered during decision-making.
  • Recognize and navigate inter-organizational relationships and conflicting objectives.