Virtual Healthcare Interactive

OVERVIEW
Virtual Healthcare Interactive is a partnership between the Utah State Office of Education and Intermountain Healthcare.  This is a unique program where students can view an actual taped surgery telecast live to their classrooms and speak to the surgeons/physicians using real-time technology.  Students will receive exposure to a variety of healthcare careers related to the surgery as well as pre- and post-event curricula and activities designed to provide them with the background information they need in order to understand the surgery/procedure: Artificial Knee.

NEED
With increased confidentiality concerns, Work-Based Learning experiences have decreased in the healthcare area over the last few years.  Engaging students through technology allows hospitals to bring more students into their environment with limited liability exposure and minimal interruption to the hospital. 

TARGET AUDIENCE
The target audience is high school students interested in healthcare careers.

EVENT LOGISTICS
The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 7, 2013 from 12:00-2:00 p.m.  In January/February 2013, a site team from IHC will visit each participating high school to help introduce students to the event and assist the teachers in providing background information for the surgery/procedure.  On the day of the event, the participating high schools will be linked to the Utah State Office of Education via EDNET.  Students will participate in a 2-hour event where they view the taped surgery/procedure and can communicate with the surgeons/physicians directly.  Participating students are expected to be present for the entire event.

APPLICATION INFORMATION
Applications from interested high school sites are due back to the USOE by Wednesday, November, 2012. Applications will be reviewed by a committee from USOE and Intermountain Healthcare.  Notification will be made by November 30, 2012. 

Each site may have a maximum of 50 participants (or up to the size your EdNet facility will allow.) Smaller schools are encouraged (but not required) to partner with other schools in their areas in order to maximize the number of participants.  Sites selected will receive pre- and post-event curricula and activities that will be required for all participating students regardless of the Health Science course they may be enrolled in.  Students will also be required to turn in a fully signed compliance packet from IHC prior to the event.  Business attire will be required of the students during the event and site visit.  Appropriate student behavior and discipline must be monitored by the HS teacher and/or administrators during the event as well.  Post-event evaluations from the students and teachers will also be required.

Please complete the application and E-mail it to tara [dot] bell [at] schools [dot] utah [dot] gov (Tara Bell).  The signature page should be faxed to 801>538-7868. 

• VHI Application Cover Letter - Word | PDF
• VHI Application - Word | PDF

Updated November 5, 2012