University of Winchester Team Shines at ASPiH Conference for Telehealth Innovation

At the recent ASPiH conference in Edinburgh, a team from the University of Winchester gained significant recognition for their innovative work aimed at enhancing telehealth skills among healthcare students. Their project, aptly titled "Webside manner and beyond: Utilising simulation to transform telehealth skills in allied health profession students," was honored as one of the top three abstracts out of 350 submissions, underscoring the importance of their contributions to this rapidly evolving field. In an era where remote consultations have become increasingly prevalent, the concept of "webside manner" has emerged as a critical counterpart to traditional bedside manner. This emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals not only to possess clinical expertise but also to communicate effectively and empathetically in a virtual environment. The University of Winchester team, comprised of Dr. Katherine Cook, Dr. Caroline French, Amanda Pike, Justine Clements, and Tai Frater, is leading the charge in preparing future healthcare workers for this new reality. Dr. Cook, who presented the project at the conference, reflected on the collaborative effort, stating, "It has been an amazing opportunity to be involved in a dynamic team and project. It has had a really positive impact on an inter-professional group of healthcare students." This sentiment captures the essence of a program designed not just to teach technical skills but also to cultivate the interpersonal qualities vital for effective patient care through virtual platforms. The telehealth skills package, launched in 2022 with funding from Health Education England (now part of NHS England), serves as a multi-professional, virtual learning tool that can be adapted across various student year groups. It employs simulated telehealth consultations, allowing students to engage in multidisciplinary groups to conduct remote clinical assessments using actors as patients. This hands-on approach has proven to be transformational, as it boosts students' knowledge and confidence in a safe environment where they can learn and grow. Dr. Cook emphasized the positive outcomes of this initiative, noting, "The positive shift in attitudes to telehealth and students' webside manners are likely to benefit healthcare users as learners go out into practice." This forward-thinking project not only prepares students for the realities of modern healthcare but also influences the quality of care that future patients will receive. Rosie Courtney, a senior workforce specialist for simulation and patient safety in the South East for NHS England, echoed this sentiment at the conference, expressing her delight at the ongoing impact of their funding on advancing training in virtual healthcare education. Additionally, the team was awarded a Senate Academic Teaching Excellence award during the recent University of Winchester Education Day, further solidifying their status as leaders in healthcare education. The team's commitment to innovation in telehealth training was also showcased when Dr. Cook delivered a well-received presentation on the telehealth package at the NET Conference 2024, organized by Networking and Innovation in Healthcare Education. With ongoing research into the effectiveness of simulation in healthcare education, the University of Winchester team is poised to continue their influential work, ensuring that the next generation of healthcare professionals is equipped to deliver compassionate and competent care in both physical and digital realms.