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Virtual reality could improve doctors' bedside manner

The doctors are put in the shoes of a man being rushed to A&E.

Virtual reality is helping doctors at Torbay Hospital literally see what it's like to be a patient.

The special software being pioneered at the hospital simulates a man with chest pains being rushed to A&E - and puts doctors in his shoes. One medic found seeing his own bedside manner a shocking experience.

The programme can be used to help trainee doctors and nurses. While bedside manner and compassion is hard to teach, seeing how frightening being in hospital can be for a patient could become a valuable tool to help them improve.

Special goggles put the doctor inside the simulation, seeing what the patient would see.