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We have seen an acceleration in the development of online immersive learning tools such as Virtual Hospital as a result of the restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic , however , they can also offer a sustainable ( with a reduced carbon footprint ) means of students exploring a wider range of practice settings than can be achieved during their 1,000 hours of practice based learning during pre-registration education ( WFOT 2016 ).
pre- and post-evaluation form has been embedded to capture students ’ feedback .
Early feedback has indicated that students have found the ward orientation package particularly useful prior to placement or graduation .
Their perception was that having some preparation of a typical ward environment alleviated apprehensions and concerns , particularly related to having to continuously ask questions of busy ward staff when needing to locate basic equipment , for example bed pans , allowing them to feel they would settle more quickly into their role .
Although the packages have only been used with one cohort at USW , having observed students engaging with the immersive packages it was noted that they triggered discussion between peers about these types of assessments including how they might prepare to undertake them .
They have also been used during a record keeping workshop to offer opportunities for students to practice recording their observations .
This initial exploration of the utility of Occupational Therapy Virtual Hospital does suggest that it offers students a novel resource that allows them , in a safe environment , to practise and / or consolidate learning .
While the initial learning packages focused on the acute medical setting , there is the potential to consider other settings , allowing students to potentially gain simulated experience of settings they may not necessarily encounter during practice-based learning .
In addition , what hasn ’ t been explored yet is its potential for interprofessional learning , something we are sure will follow as more allied health professionals gain access to the technology .
Equally , further consideration will need to be given to its efficacy if employed as a mode of assessment .
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AWSEM ( 2023 ) Wales Virtual Hospital : Developing a virtual clinical environment for healthcare learners in Wales Available at https :// awsem . co . uk / wales-virtual-hospital [ accessed 13 April 2023 ]
Britton L , Rosenwax L , McNamara B ( 2015 ) Occupational therapy practice in acute physical hospital settings : Evidence from a scoping review . Australian Occupational Therapy Journal , 62 ( 6 ): 370-377 .
World Federation of Occupational Therapists ( 2016 ) Minimum standards for the education of occupational therapists . Revised 2016 . Available at bit . ly / 3BUgP88 [ accessed 13 April 2023 ]
Words SALLY SCOTT-ROBERTS , Course Lead for Occupational Therapy , University of South Wales , DR CATHERINE PURCELL , Reader , Occupational Therapy , Cardiff University ; HELEN HAK , Strategic Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist for Stroke , Aneurin Bevan University Health Board ; AIMEE COLLIER REES , Virtual Ward Primary Care Occupational Therapist , Swansea Bay University Health Board ; IBTISAM JERAJ , Occupational Therapist , Cwm Taff Morgannwg University Health Board ; DIANE WEBB , Trauma and Orthopaedics / Rheumatology Occupational Therapist , Aneurin Bevan University Health Board ; SARAH MORSE , Clinical Lead for Occupational Therapy Services Acute Medical Unit , Swansea Bay University Health Board ; CELYN HARRIS , Occupational Therapist Clinical Specialist , Cwm Taff Morgannwg University Health Board .
Thank you to occupational therapy colleagues from Aneurin Bevan University Health Board , Cwm Taff Morgannwg University Health Board , Swansea Bay University Health Board who played a pivotal part in designing and filming the Occupational Therapy Virtual Hospital , e-learning packages .
30 OTnews June 2023