Digital Innovations in Nursing Education: A Path to Success
Northumbria University has been recognized as a leading example of best practice in the United Kingdom for its innovative use of virtual reality (VR) technology and simulation in nursing education. By investing in a state-of-the-art VR platform specifically designed for healthcare training, the team from the Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health at Northumbria University has developed a practical simulation program called SkillsFest.
Within a month, over 500 second-year nursing students from all four specializations participated in a wide range of simulation training sessions. These sessions covered various health conditions including the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, digestive, urological, and nervous systems. Throughout the training, students engaged in nearly 13,000 simulation sessions featuring 31 different clinical cases, focusing on topics such as sepsis, respiratory failure, and patients of different age groups.
The program’s success has led Oxford Medical Simulation (OMS), a leading technology company, to recognize Northumbria University as an exemplary institution. OMS now encourages other universities to adopt a similar approach to simulation education. The use of VR and simulation technology in nursing education allows students to develop and practice clinical skills in a safe environment on campus before they begin their practical training in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
In recent years, the demand for simulation-based education has significantly increased, particularly due to disruptions in student placements caused by the pandemic. The simulation science team at Northumbria University received £300,000 from Health Education England to explore new ways of utilizing immersive and simulation technologies to support students in medical fields. Collaborating with students and external partners, including local NHS trusts and the Nursing and Midwifery Council, they developed the SkillsFest program.
Jessica McGahan, the Head of Customer Operations at OMS, stated, “The team at Northumbria University is pioneering the use of VR practical hours for a large group of students. The Faculty of Nursing has successfully integrated OMS technologies into their long-standing program, allowing students to manage care in a realistic, immersive, and safe clinical environment.”
Northumbria University is one of the largest centers for healthcare education in northern England, offering numerous specialized diploma programs and professional development courses in nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. The university’s Children’s Nursing program ranks third in the UK according to the latest Guardian University Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source of the article is from the blog lisboatv.pt