Headsets in healthcare: Students see through GPs’ eyes

University students are gaining valuable ‘first-hand’ experience by observing doctors wearing assisted reality (AR) headsets during patient consultations as part of a new programme.   

GPs at Spring Hall Group Practice, Halifax, are using RealWear headsets - hands-free ‘assisted reality’ devices – to share consultations for consenting patients with Master of Physician Associate Studies (MPAS) students at the University of Bradford.  

Students then take part in discussions about what they have seen with their educator and fellow students. 

Vikki Carter, Director of Practice Education and Engagement at the University of Bradford, said: “This is an innovative approach which has demonstrated a positive impact not only on student development but also on patient care and the wider team they work alongside.  

“These experiences have enhanced students’ clinical knowledge, strengthened their teamwork and leadership capabilities, and given them a unique insight into delivering high-quality care.” 

Students’ view 

Sadia Khan, an MPAS student who took part in the programme during a placement, said: “It was a great opportunity to see the technology in action.

“I took away a lot from seeing the doctor during his consultations. With RealWear, you get to see things more clearly from the clinician’s point of view. You get to see what they see. It is a good way of learning.  

“I do see it being used more in the future during consultations with patients. It has made me realise that the NHS is forever evolving.

“The headset is an extra tool to use with a face-to-face consultation. There can be a hybrid approach. But students need to be comfortable doing the traditional style of consultations. “Patients don’t want too many people in a room for a consultation.”

By using digital technology, students will be better prepared for the demands of modern healthcare, giving them more exposure to primary care environments. 

Participating patients are informed by their GP in a telephone call before their consultation that the headsets will be worn, no recording will happen, and students will watch it live. A total of 288 students have taken part in the GP headsets programme so far.  

It is hoped RealWear headset technology can be used in other community settings including for paramedics and home visiting services, with trainees able to watch consultations from the GP surgery while they take place. 

This initiative supports the University’s strategic priorities to put students first, widen access, and embrace innovation, preparing learners for modern healthcare through immersive, technology-enabled experiences.

Clearing call   

Clearing 2025 runs until October 20, offering prospective students the chance to secure a place at University. Prospective students may include those taking all Level 3 qualifications (this year or last), or mature students who want to return to education.

The University of Bradford is offering a range of services this year, including its Clearing Community Pass, which includes webinars, a dedicated phone line and SMS and email updates.  

Its call-lines - 08081 969129 - and self-apply form are open now. The self-apply link is also available on the Clearing website.  

You can use Clearing if you have changed your mind about what or where you want to study, received higher or lower grades than you expected or haven’t yet applied to study at University for September 2025.  

Healthcare students can receive a training grant of £5,000 a year in funding as part of the NHS Learning Support Fund.   

Eligible courses include midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, paramedicine and physiotherapy.  

Different is what we do 

UNIDENTIFIED - Challenging the status quo, we take a different approach to using technology

Our students observing GPs wearing headsets for patient consultations is another example of the University of Bradford taking a different approach to technology.

From using AI to revolutionise donor organ transplants to a one-hour PE test that diagnoses movement skills deficit in children, we use our research and expertise to identify and solve problems that will improve the health and wellbeing of people locally and globally. Find out more on our website