International Journal of Healthcare Simulation

Background:

The NHS is the largest employer of black and minority ethnic (BAME) people, yet research shows that BAME staff experience greater levels of workplace harassment and discrimination [1]. Phase 2 of the Tackling Inequalities and Discrimination Experiences in Health Services Study (TIDES) focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on inequalities experienced by BAME people working in health and social care. Virtual Reality (VR) training was produced by Maudsley Learning as part of this, and we present the VR champion debriefing train the trainer project.

Methods:

A full-day digital debriefing champion training was developed. This incorporated a session on VR technology, background of the TIDES project, and the importance of debriefing in patient safety and outcomes. This was followed by an introduction of a modified TALK debriefing model [2] and essential debriefing skills training. Participants watched a series of VR videos of 3 characters, focusing on discrimination occurrences for BAME staff occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g. lack of personal protective equipment availability during night shifts). The champions then participated in a demonstration of a modified TALK debriefing model, after which they practiced leading a debriefing of one of the VR videos themselves. After the course, each VR champion agreed to train at least 10 staff within their clinical teams in-situ, using VR headset kits which were provided to them.

Results:

To date, we have gathered data from 6 participants from various professions. Participants completed a pre- and post-course survey rating their confidence in the skills of focus of the course, including debriefing skills, building psychological safety, using VR, and delivering training. The findings showed an increase in confidence for all participants, with an average increase of 14% from pre-course (M = 29.67) to post-course (M = 35.33) scores. All participants agreed that the course met their learning needs and would be useful for their practice. Preliminary follow-up data shows that the VR videos have been watched 88 times, implying that the champions are actively training staff in their clinical areas. Initial feedback has been very positive and some champions have a waitlist of staff to be trained.

Conclusion:

VR headsets allow viewers to fully immerse themselves in a 360° view of the scene, elicit more emotions, and therefore help to create a richer debriefing discussion. This training has been successful at equipping VR champions with the skills needed to facilitate debriefings in their clinical areas.

References

1. Kline R. Beyond the snowy white peaks of the NHS? Better Health Briefing Paper 39. Race Equality Foundation. 2015. http://raceequalityfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Health-Briefing-39-_Final.pdf [Accessed on 27/06/2022]

2. TALK foundation. TALK Framework. Talk Debrief. https://www.talkdebrief.org/talkframeworkbackground [Accessed on 27/06/2022]