Two radiographers from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust have launched an app designed to give students and apprentices instant access to clinical learning resources.
Benjamin Hubbard, practice educator for therapeutic radiography, and Simon Jassel, advanced practitioner in imaging and IT, found learners were unable to access educational material when studying away from Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Together, they created a platform for students and apprentices to be able to view a range of learning content – including videos, presentations, workbooks and quizzes. The app is password protected and is only available to those with login credentials at the trust.
Easier access to information
Made using Microsoft Power Apps, the tool is already being used by students from Birmingham City University and apprentices from Sheffield Hallam University, who split their learning between the Royal Stoke’s Cancer Centre and remote study.
Benjamin said: “We had wanted to create something for a long time that would support students and apprentices in our department. Other trusts were beginning to use apps to give learners easier access to information, and we knew we wanted to do something similar here at UHNM [University Hospitals of North Midlands] .”
After exploring commercial app development, the team realised it would be extremely costly. Instead, Benjamin brought on Simon to lead the app’s development. He was able to use software available under the department’s existing licenses to develop the app during their protected advanced practice time.
'Easy to navigate'
Benjamin continued: “It’s ideal for students who’ve spent the day on placement and want to reflect at home or on the move. It puts all the content in one concise, easy-to-access space and is interactive too, as learners can request additional resources. Thanks to built-in analytics, we can also track usage too, to better its efficiency.
“There is also the possibility going forward that in-house apps like this could be extended to other areas across UHNM to support students, apprentices and preceptorships more broadly.”
Jasmine Humphries, a radiographer apprentice studying at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “The app is very good, especially the feature to submit forms and request specific information. It’s clearly set out, easy to navigate, and includes up-to-date content.”
Carolyn O’Donovan, radiotherapy service manager, added: “I’m incredibly proud that Benjamin and Simon had the foresight, ideas, innovation and skills to create something truly transformational for our students and apprentices that come through the department.”
(Image: Benjamin Hubbard, Jasmine Humphries, and Simon Jassel, via University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust)