Courses

The NTSP has been working with the Advanced Life Support Group, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, the University of Manchester, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, and Rescape Innovation to deliver Virtual Reality (VR) tracheostomy training. The project has been funded by the UKRI Innovation Fast Start program. VR offers a unique experience for learners and trainers and can allow immersive training to be delivered to groups of participants on a wide range of topics. 

Our research explored whether the VR course can compliment or even replace some of our face-to-face courses as part of a study. Delivering courses in VR is very different to traditional teaching and many staff (at the moment) are not familiar with VR technology. Our project evaluated participant experience and performance during and after face-to-face and VR tracheostomy safety courses, including a fully remote VR course for 20 candidates. We showed that standardised knowledge scores for candidates were increased following all formats of the course, and knowledge was equally well retained when re-assessed at 4 weeks. Please see the papers section for full details. Our work has showcased VR in this setting and demonstrated that VR can enhance training. VR courses have the potential to deliver more cost-effective, time-effective and environmentally friendly training.

Our current work involves developing an AI Instructor for the courses using Generative Artificial Intelligence. The team are working again with Manchester University NHS FT, the University of Manchester and two local companies. Sentira-XR are experts in applying Generative AI to healthcare simulations and ExR Education pioneer the development and delivery of immersive healthcare education. We'll keep you updated throughout 2025!

Any questions, please contact us by emailing courses@tracheostomy.org.uk.