About the programme

This programme has been designed to support training doctors of all grades who are currently or have previously been shielding, displaced or non-patient facing as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Supported Return to Training programme offers support and resources to help facilitate a smooth and safe return to work for all trainee doctors who have taken time out of training. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the scope of eligibility for SuppoRTT has been extended to include trainees who are shielding or displaced.

About the elearning

This elearning resource has been developed as part of the programme of SuppoRTT activities and is particularly aimed at training doctors of all grades and specialities who are currently shielding, displaced or non-patient facing, as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, including those who were shielding prior to maternity leave. It may also be useful for other healthcare professionals who are or will be conducting remote consultations. 

The resource is based around a remote consultation, and aims to support trainees to:

• develop skills in remote consultation
• recognise their own value as remote clinicians
• identify their learning needs around remote consulting
• expand their knowledge about available resources to support remote consulting
• consider differential diagnoses based on remote history and assessment
• recognise the need for clinical escalation when working remotely
• understand the importance of seeking support from a senior/supervisor
• recognise social/safeguarding issues and escalate appropriately

The elearning programme includes the following sections:

• remote consultation
• 360* video
• reflection
• evaluation

The elearning programme takes between 30 to 60 minutes to complete and includes an interactive elearning session based around a simulated telephone consultation. This is followed by an opportunity to review the consultation through an immersive 360* video, enabling the trainee to reflect on learning points and issues raised during the scenario.

After the 360* video, there is a structured reflective section which encourages trainees to think about the clinical and social aspects of the consultation. Trainees are encouraged to identify a supervising clinician, usually their educational supervisor, to discuss their elearning experience after completing the programme. A debrief guide for supervisors is available to download after completion of the programme. A certificate is also available to download on completion of the programme.

More information about the elearning

This elearning programme includes a 360* video resource. This can be viewed using just a computer, smartphone or tablet, or for the most immersive experience, virtual reality (VR) converter headsets (both high and low-tech options) are available. It is suggested that you speak to your employer regarding this.  If you are a trainee doctor in England, particularly if you are shielding or displaced, your HEE local office may also be able to provide further information.

More information on the Supported Return to Training (SuppoRTT) programme

The Supported Return to Training programme offers support and resources to help facilitate a smooth and safe return to work for all trainee doctors who have taken 3 months or more out of training. Trainees are encouraged to inform their educational supervisor as early as possible before taking time out, to plan their time away, if possible.

Before returning, trainees can choose to access a range of resources, including supernumerary time, enhanced supervision, face to face or virtual courses, webinars, podcasts, elearning and simulation. These activities have been designed to help enhance trainees’ skills, knowledge and confidence.

How to access

In order to access the Remote Consultation: An Immersive Technology Resource for COVID-19 Displaced or Shielding Trainees programme, you will need an elfh account. If you do not have one, then you can register by selecting the Register button below.

Register >

To view the Remote Consultation: An Immersive Technology Resource for COVID-19 Displaced or Shielding Trainees programme, select the View button below. If you already have an account with elfh, you will also be able to login and enrol on the programme from the View button.

View >

Not an NHS organisation?

If you are not an NHS health or care organisation and therefore do not qualify for free access elfh Hub, you may be able to access the service by creating an OpenAthens account.

To check whether or not you qualify for free access via OpenAthens, you can view the eligibility criteria and register on the ‘OpenAthens’ portal.

Registering large numbers of users

If you are a HR, IT or Practice Manager and would like to register and enrol large numbers of staff within your organisation for access onto the Remote Consultation: An Immersive Technology Resource for COVID-19 Displaced or Shielding Trainees programme, please contact elfh directly.

Organisations wishing to use their own LMS

For HR departments wanting to know more about gaining access to courses using an existing Learning Management System please contact elfh directly to express interest.

More information

Please select the following link for more information on how to use the elfh Hub.