Nurses get a virtual boost with VR training
Introduction
Nurses at UWL are adding a virtual twist to their training as they take on virtual reality simulation to get them ready for the workplace.
Teaching at UWL’s healthcare courses has taken on the virtual platform to not only help those unable to get out into practice during lockdown, but to make sure that trainees of the future are ready to hit the ground running once they begin work on wards across the country.
The new platforms allow students to be immersed in authentic virtual consultation rooms where they can assess patients, get to grips with analysing medical tests, and assess symptoms before giving complete handovers to a medical team - making UWL one of the first trainee centres in the country to make use of innovative learning in a completely new way.
Soon to be rolled out to help train student paramedics and midwives, the scheme will ensure all trainees are well-equipped with the skills to care for patients and comes alongside already established and cutting-edge simulation facilities being used to train the next generation of healthcare providers.
Aby Mitchell, Lead for Simulation and Immersive Technologies at UWL’s College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare, said:
This is another excellent way in which we are innovating and leading in our healthcare training, putting us at the very forefront of modern and tailored learning across our courses.
Not only can we use this as another way to develop the skills and knowledge of our students before they go out into the workforce, but also gives us a practical way to test the proficiencies of all those trainees who’ve been unable to pass their checks in hospitals and clinics during the pandemic.
The new facilities form part of UWL’s suite of simulation learning tools, including the immersive theatre event, and ‘The Street’ where trainees can get to grips with patient diagnosis and care giving online.
The VR suite will also be used to help qualified staff complete continued development courses.
Find out more about UWL’s innovative simulation teaching.