We were recently featured in The Guardian for our collaborative work with the Tackling Inequalities and Discrimination Experiences in health Services (TIDES) team. The article highlighted our innovative use of virtual reality (VR) to address ethnic inequalities and improve the experiences of racially minoritised healthcare practitioners.
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In 2022, we partnered with King’s College London’s (KCL) TIDES team, led by Professor Stephani Hatch, to create three 360-degree VR films. These films, based on interviews with NHS staff, authentically portrayed the lived experiences of racially minoritised healthcare workers. The scripts captured the effects of COVID-19 and how the pandemic response exacerbated ethnic inequalities in mental health and occupational outcomes among NHS and social care staff. Our media team, along with actors and clinical faculty members—Emma Baxey, Claire Tiley, and Alina Cuhraja—worked closely on set to ensure the scenarios and dialogue remained realistic and relatable.
Following the success of these films, we explored further ways to expand the use of VR in healthcare training. This led to the development of our VR Champions training programme. During the Phase 1 pilot, both clinical and non-clinical staff from South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) volunteered as VR Champions. These volunteers received tailored training in debriefing techniques and technical skills, enabling them to deliver VR training within their own clinical settings. Over five months, six champions trained more than 240 staff members.
Building on this success, the VR Champions Programme expanded in 2023 under the leadership of Elaine Thomas and Camilla Fadel. Phase 2 introduced eight new 360-degree VR scenarios focused on de-escalation and reducing restrictive practices. With additional clinical guidance from Anita Bignell, these scenarios were carefully developed to ensure authenticity. This phase saw 20 VR Champions from across the UK NHS lead training in their respective trusts, with over 400 staff members completing de-escalation training.
We continue to innovate with VR training. Recently developed scenarios include management supervision training, while current projects include VR paramedic training in collaboration with the West Midlands Ambulance Service, led by Emma Baxey and Elaine Thomas.
This forward-thinking approach highlights our commitment to tackling inequalities and enhancing the skills of NHS staff through immersive, cutting-edge technology.