Abstract for: Improving Healthcare Policy Decisions: A Simulation-based Experimental Study

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the efficacy of a system dynamics-based interactive learning environment, SIADH-ILE, in the context of the HIV / AIDS situation in Canada, We used action research and drew on data gathered through action experiments in authentic educational settings. Data captured by the SIADH-ILE program, and questionnaire and qualitative data obtained in these settings serve the purpose to explore whether the integration of Interactive Learning Environments (ILEs) in classroom settings generates learning benefits. Our results indicate that a simultaneous approach, instead of an isolated program on treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS and related diseases, leads to relatively fewer HIV/AIDS-related deaths. Consistent with prior studies, a debriefing-based intervention improved subjects’ transfer learning.