Ikon Training
Harnessing the Power of Virtual Reality
September 18th, 2024
3 mins
Harnessing the Power of Virtual Reality in Healthcare: A Collaborative Opportunity for Businesses in East Anglia
At IKON Training, we are always excited to explore how cutting-edge virtual reality technology can revolutionise training across industries, particularly in the healthcare sector.
A recent initiative in Suffolk and Essex, featured by the BBC, highlights the game-changing potential of virtual reality (VR) in immersive training for NHS workers. This initiative, known as the Insight Programme, showcases the kind of innovation that can significantly enhance professional development—and it’s exactly the kind of project that aligns with our values and vision.
Technology & Training
The Insight Programme, developed by the Suffolk and North East Essex Training Hub, Revolve Labs, and Eastern Education Group, enables healthcare professionals such as GPs, physiotherapists, paramedics, and physician associates to use state-of-the-art VR headsets and other new technologies to experience patient care from a unique perspective.
This highly interactive method takes learners through various filmed scenarios, simulating a patient’s journey from initial consultation to diagnosis and treatment. Through this immersive experience, healthcare workers gain a deeper understanding of what their patients experience, enabling them to provide more empathetic, informed care.
Dr. David Cargill, a GP from Stowhealth, shared his enthusiasm for the programme, emphasising how much more impactful it is compared to traditional training methods. “It’s a totally immersive experience,” Dr. Cargill noted, “that is so much more effective than sitting in a lecture or a face-to-face tutorial. When you experience the training, you immediately feel empowered to put it into practice with a patient.”
IKON Training’s Commitment
At IKON Training, we believe that this innovative approach to healthcare training should not be limited to the NHS alone. There is vast potential to collaborate with businesses across the Suffolk and Essex region, enabling them to leverage VR and other emerging technologies for workforce development and specialised training.
Whether it’s conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, or industry-specific modules, VR can provide professionals with the skills they need in a more engaging, effective, and memorable way. Much like the Insight Programme, which focuses on fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and soon dementia, VR training can be adapted to fit various sectors, creating tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of different industries.
Our focus at IKON Training is to partner with organisations that want to deliver world-class training to their teams. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to use immersive technologies to provide faster, deeper, and longer-lasting learning experiences. By working together, we can build stronger, more resilient workforces, just as the Insight Programme is doing for healthcare professionals.
Looking to The Future
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Revolve Labs for inviting IKON Training to be a part of the Insight Programme’s launch event, which was covered by the BBC. It was inspiring to witness first-hand the potential applications of this groundbreaking technology. We are excited about future collaborations and the opportunities that immersive technology brings to revolutionise training not only in healthcare but across all sectors.
As we look ahead, the possibilities for VR training are endless. At IKON, we’re eager to explore how we can help local businesses and organisations incorporate these advanced training methods into their development programmes. Let’s work together to create immersive, effective learning solutions that prepare professionals to excel in any scenario.
If you’re interested in exploring how virtual reality can revolutionise your training programmes, reach out to us at IKON Training. Together, we can transform the way your team learns, grows, and delivers excellence.
Written by Louise Ballard, IKON Operations Director
Louise Ballard is the co-founder and Operations Director of IKON Training. With a keen eye for business development and a deep commitment to fostering the best in her team, Louise continuously drives the company’s evolution.
Louise’s career began in the marketing department of a communications company in London. After meeting her husband, Jason Keeley, and moving back to their hometown, they combined their expertise and passion to start IKON Training over 20 years ago.
Louise is dedicated to delivering a consistent and exceptional brand experience for everyone they work with, ensuring that IKON Training remains at the forefront of conflict resolution training. Her passion and leadership have been instrumental in establishing IKON Training as a leading provider in the sector.