We’re pleased to announce the roll-out of the Virtual Reality (VR) training programme for social care staff in Bridgend.
This immersive training is designed to support how staff manage high-risk swallowing incidents, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to improve patient safety and care.
Dysphagia is a swallowing difficulty that can lead to malnutrition, infections, and even death. It is one of the pressing health issues faced by older adults. However, care pathways for detecting and managing dysphagia remain disjointed, often resulting in delayed assessments and long waitlists.
This VR Training module for staff provides lifelike and interactive learning experiences, replication real swallow assessment consultations. Staff can engage in dynamic patient interactions in a safe, controlled setting, allowing them to practice complex consultations and deepen their understanding and skills.
As a result of this programme, care teams can respond more effectively to high-risk swallowing incidents, reducing hospital admissions, and strengthen collaboration between speech and language therapists, dietitians, pharmacists, and social care staff.
Azize Naji, CEO and Founder, Goggleminds said:
“This collaborative effort not only makes training more accessible, effective, and engaging, but also empowers care professionals to make informed decisions that drive better patient outcomes through the power of technology."
Sheiladen Aquino, Project Lead, Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said:
“This VR program is a crucial step in embedding health and social care integration into real practice by training care home staff in remote assessments for swallowing, nutrition, and medication. Most importantly, it ensures that elderly residents and aged care services are no longer excluded from digital health innovation—they, too, deserve to benefit from technology that improves care.”
Recently, a ‘Train the Trainer’ session was held in Trem Y Mor, Bridgend where training staff were introduced to the programme. Discussions during the session highlighted the importance of changing perceptions of technology, addressing digital confidence among staff. They also explored VR’s broader applications in healthcare, highlighting that it was not just for staff training and enhancement, but also for patient pain distraction and engagement.
One example of the VR device being used for patient wellbeing was a powerful scenario from a Digital Communities Wales team member, who described how VR positively impacted a patient with dementia. Using the VR device, the patient was able to relive a cherished beach holiday memory. With her feet submerged in a bucket of water, the immersive experience transported her back to her favourite beach destination, creating a sense of calm and contentment.
Healthcare professionals in Bridgend were enthusiastic about the potential impact of VR training for staff.
Jodie Miller, Speech and Language Therapy Associate Practitioner, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said:
“It gives staff the space to practice remote assessments without causing any potential harm. If they can build confidence in a virtual setting, it will make them feel safer and more competent in real-life scenarios.”
Thomas Bush, Dietetics Public Health Dietetic Assistant Practitioner, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said:
“I see this working well, in our experience staff turnover in care homes is quite high. Some staff may already be aware of the dietitians, while others may not. Providing this knowledge in a more engaging and interactive way could be really beneficial.”
The VR Training programme is the result of collaboration between healthcare, technology, and social care sectors, driving forward innovation in care provision. By embracing VR technology, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board are leading the way in ensuring care home staff are better prepared to respond to swallowing difficulties, ultimately improving the health and quality of life of residents.
