Virtual Reality training rolled out for social care staff in Bridgend
A new Virtual Reality (VR) training programme, developed by Goggleminds, has been rolled out for social care staff in Bridgend, to enhance management of high-risk swallowing incidents. This immersive training equips staff with the skills and confidence to handle dysphagia-related emergencies, improving patient safety and care.
Dysphagia is a swallowing difficulty that can lead to malnutrition, infections, and even death. It’s one of the pressing health issues faced by older adults. However, care pathways for detecting and managing dysphagia remain disjointed, often resulting in delayed assessments and long waitlists.
This VR training module for staff, replicates real-life swallow assessment consultations, allowing staff to engage in dynamic patient interactions within a realistic virtual environment.
By providing an interactive experience, the programme enables staff to practice complex consultations, deepening their understanding in a safe, controlled setting. As a result, care teams can respond more effectively to high-risk swallowing incidents, reducing hospital admissions, and strengthening collaboration between speech and language therapists, dietitians, pharmacists, and social care staff.
Azize Naji, CEO & Founder, Goggleminds said: “This collaborative effort not only makes training more accessible, effective, and engaging, but also empowers care professionals to make informed decisions that drive better patient outcomes through the power of technology."
Sheiladen Aquino, Project Lead, Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said: “This project is a pioneering step in truly embedding health and social care integration. By equipping care home staff with essential training in remote assessment for swallowing, nutrition, and medication, we’re ensuring that integration is not just a concept but a real, practiced approach that leads to holistic, person-centered care for the residents who need it most.”
Recently, a ‘Train the Trainer’ session was held in Trem Y Mor, Bridgend, where training staff were introduced to the programme. The session also explored VR’s broader applications in healthcare, highlighting the benefit for staff training and enhancement, but also for patient pain distraction and engagement.
One example of the VR device being used for patient wellbeing was a powerful scenario from a Digital Communities Wales team member, who described how VR positively impacted a patient with dementia. Using the VR device, the patient was able to relive a cherished beach holiday memory. With her feet submerged in a bucket of water, the immersive experience transported her back to her favourite beach destination, creating a sense of calm and contentment.
Healthcare professionals in Bridgend were enthusiastic about the potential impact of VR training for staff. Jodie Miller, Speech and Language Therapy Associate Practitioner, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said:
“It gives staff the space to practice remote assessments without causing any potential harm. If they can build confidence in a virtual setting, it will make them feel safer and more competent in real-life scenarios.”
Thomas Bush, Dietetics, Public Health Dietetic Assistant Practitioner, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said: “I see this working well, in our experience staff turnover in care homes is quite high. Some staff may already be aware of the dietitians, while others may not. Providing this knowledge in a more engaging and interactive way could be really beneficial.”
The VR Training programme is the result of collaboration between healthcare, technology, and social care sectors, driving forward innovation in care provision. By embracing VR technology, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board are leading the way in ensuring care home staff are better prepared to respond to swallowing difficulties, ultimately improving the health and quality of life of residents.
Find out more about the VR Training project here.
19/03/2025