At Burton and South Derbyshire College, we believe in nurturing digital champions who can lead the way in transforming education across sectors. This year, our focus is expanding into Health and Social Care, an area where technology can play a critical role in supporting learners as they prepare for careers in one of the most demanding yet rewarding industries. Our approach combines innovative technology, such as Bodyswaps, with practical learning experiences to equip students with the skills they need to excel in healthcare environments.
Using technology to build communication skills
Effective communication is vital in health and social care. From navigating sensitive conversations to providing person-centred care, professionals must possess strong interpersonal skills. This is where Bodyswaps, an immersive learning platform designed to develop communication skills, comes into play.
At our college, we are integrating Bodyswaps into the curriculum to allow learners to practise their communication techniques in a safe, virtual environment. For instance, in the Mental Health Practitioner module, learners take on the role of a practitioner and practise communicating with individuals struggling with mental health issues. This interactive approach helps them build confidence in their abilities to engage in difficult conversations—an essential skill for any healthcare worker.
Additionally, the modules focus on specific communication challenges within health and social care, such as navigating angry conversations and communicating in a person-centred way. These are aligned with real-world scenarios that learners may face during their placements or in their future roles, making the training both relevant and practical.
Expanding into healthcare: Preparing the next generation
This year, we’re proud to be deploying more healthcare modules aimed at developing a highly skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of the healthcare sector. As part of the T-Level Health programme, learners studying occupational specialisms, such as adult nursing, will engage with Bodyswaps modules that mirror the complexities of clinical environments.
For example, the Communicating in a Person-Centred Way module directly ties into Healthcare Performance Outcome 1: supporting learners to communicate effectively with patients, especially in challenging situations such as being hoisted or transferred. The focus is on building empathy and understanding, skills that are indispensable for those entering nursing and other care-related professions.
Bridging theory and practice
In addition to digital learning tools, we place a strong emphasis on practical experience through industry placements. Learners have the opportunity to apply their skills in real-life healthcare settings, reinforcing the knowledge they’ve gained in the classroom.
For example, second-year learners will be able to reflect on their placement experiences through the Bodyswaps Navigating Angry Conversations module. This reflection is key to deepening their understanding of the emotional and psychological aspects of patient care, enabling them to grow not only as professionals but also as compassionate carers.
Looking ahead
As we continue to expand our offerings in Health and Social Care, we are committed to supporting both our learners and staff in embracing the benefits of digital innovation. By championing the use of technologies like Bodyswaps, we ensure that our learners are not only prepared for the technical challenges of healthcare but also equipped with the communication skills that make a real difference in patient care.
Our journey is just beginning, and we are excited to see how our new champions in Health and Social Care will continue to grow and lead the way in transforming healthcare education.