Wales’s elderly population is growing rapidly, with a 40% rise in people aged 65 and over expected by 2041. One of the pressing health issues this demographic faces is oropharyngeal dysphagia, a swallowing difficulty that can lead to malnutrition, infections, and even death.
Despite the severity of the issue, care pathways for detecting and managing dysphagia remain disjointed, leading to delayed assessments, multiple waitlists, and limited access to specialist support particularly in care homes. A new integrated service model involving Speech and Language Therapy, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Pharmacy used telehealth and has demonstrated improved outcomes. However, the effectiveness of this approach is constrained by high care home staff turnover and inconsistent training on high-risk procedures such as swallowing assessments. Staff often lack the confidence and practical skills to manage these high-risk incidents during virtual consultations.
What’s the solution?
This project introduces a hybrid learning approach, combining face-to-face and VR simulation training. This innovative VR system, developed by Goggleminds, provides lifelike scenarios for care staff. The VR simulation allow care staff to identify early signs of dysphagia, preventing incidents, and responding to emergencies such as choking, without risk to residents. Enabling a faster, and more effective environment.
Project aims:
- To provide care home staff with the skills to respond confidently and effectively to high-risk swallowing incidents
- Reduce hospital admissions due to proactive management of dysphagia
- Create a competency framework for care staff involved in high-risk telehealth consultations
- Foster stronger collaboration between speech and language therapists, dietitians, pharmacists, and social care teams
Partners/funding sources/Health board(s)
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
- Goggleminds
- Bridgend Council
- Digital Communities Wales
- Life Sciences Hub Wales
Timeline updates
- Project scope – March 2024
- Phase One – Collaboration, focus groups, and feedback to shape training modules
- Phase Two – Active development of VR modules with Goggleminds, including storyboarding and design
- Phase Three - Refinement and delivery of the module, including training to Cwm Taf and Domiciliary care staff
- VR Training roll out – March 2025
- Evaluation & outcome reporting - July 2025
Outcomes – predicted
The project is set to deliver significant benefits for both users and the care system. By improving the management of dysphagia, it aims to reduce cases of malnutrition, infections, and hospital admissions among care home residents. Earlier detection and better management of swallowing difficulties will help residents enjoy improved overall health, and a higher quality of life.
This project will look to enhance training and boost confidence across social care staff, empowering them to effectively handle high-risk situations. Additionally, this will streamline care pathways, creating a more cohesive approach to managing dysphagia and ensuring better collaboration across healthcare teams.
For more information about the VR Training project, please get in touch by emailing hello@lshubwales.com.