PG113 ‘Birley place’: a virtual community for health and social care education

Abstract

Introduction Logistical constraints associated with large cohorts provide barriers to the delivery of simulation-based education (SBE) in health and social care education. Williams et al. (2020) suggested that virtual simulation can alleviate these constraints whilst providing a quality learning experience. Walia et al. (2017) showed that effective learning experiences in virtual worlds can produce positive transfer of learning to real-world healthcare practice. Based on this evidence, and utilising the concepts of immersive SBE, persistent virtual worlds, and experiential learning theory, we developed a web-based virtual community to facilitate the delivery of realistic, person-centred health and social care education. Summary of the Educational Programme The Birley Place virtual community comprises a fictional map containing three distinct neighbourhoods. Each neighbourhood incorporates homes, schools, businesses, health and social care services and leisure facilities. Services, housing, and the characters who ‘live’ in each neighbourhood are modelled on three areas of the city in which our institution is based, using existent socio-economic, health and lifestyle data. Characters are ‘brought to life’ through learning activities involving text, audio, and video case studies, as well as interactive content and scenarios with embedded decision-making. Online sessions and group work are followed by debriefs to encourage learners to reflect, conceptualise, and experiment; facilitating the transfer of knowledge through experience. As an exemplar, we use Birley Place to facilitate the delivery of a large-scale IPE programme focused on understanding the impact of health inequalities. Working in inter-professional groups, learners access statistical data for each neighbourhood and ‘meet’ characters living there. Using this information, learners develop a community profile and produce an inter-professional strategy to address a health or social care issue affecting a specific neighbourhood. This approach provides a holistic view of the factors that influence health, whilst the inter-professional group working develops learners’ understanding of the value of other professions, and communication and team-working skills. Discussion and Conclusions Birley Place enables virtual SBE and innovative online learning and teaching. This allows learners to develop their understanding of realistic health and social care situations. As a teaching and learning tool, Birley Place assists blended learning via realistic case studies, encouraging group and independent study. The nature of the web-based design means that learners can access content whenever and wherever required, thus overcoming timetabling challenges. It offers an enriched experience, enabling learners to use their initiative, make decisions in a safe environment, and be accountable for the results of their actions. References Walia N, Zahedi FM, Jain H. Potential of virtual worlds for nursing care: lessons and outcomes. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing 2017;23(1). Williams D, Stephen LA, Causton P. Teaching interprofessional competencies using virtual simulation: A descriptive exploratory research study. Nurse Education Today 2020;104535.