Tracy Levett-Jones1, Samuel Lapkin2, Natalie Govind3, Jacqueline Pich4, Kerry Hoffman5, Sarah Yeun-Sim Jeong6, Carol Anne Norton7, Danielle Noble8, Lorna Maclellan9, Melissa Robinson-Reilly10, Naleya Everson11. 1. Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, 235 Jones St, Ultimo, NSW 2007, PO Box 123, Australia. Electronic address: tracy.levett-jones@uts.edu.au. 2. School of Nursing, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Centre for Research in Nursing and Health, St George Hospital, Research and Education Building, Level 1, 4-10 South Street, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia. Electronic address: Samuel.Lapkin@health.nsw.gov.au. 3. Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, 235 Jones St, Ultimo, NSW 2007, PO Box 123, Australia. Electronic address: Natalie.govind@uts.edu.au. 4. Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, 235 Jones St, Ultimo, NSW 2007, PO Box 123, Australia. Electronic address: jacqueline.pich@uts.edu.au. 5. Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, 10 Chittaway Rd, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia. Electronic address: Kerry.Hoffman@newcastle.edu.au. 6. School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Newcastle, PO Box 127, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia. Electronic address: Sarah.Jeong@newcastle.edu.au. 7. University of Newcastle, Australia. Electronic address: carol.norton@newcastle.edu.au. 8. Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, 10 Chittaway Rd, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia. Electronic address: Danielle.Noble@newcastle.edu.au. 9. School of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia. Electronic address: Lorna.maclellan@newcastle.edu.au. 10. School of Nursing & Midwifery - Port Macquarie Campus, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia. Electronic address: Melissa.Robinson-Reilly@newcastle.edu.au. 11. Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, 235 Jones St, Ultimo, NSW 2007, PO Box 123, Australia. Electronic address: Naleya.Everson@uts.edu.au.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although empathy is an integral component of professional practice and person-centred care, a body of research has identified that vulnerable patients groups frequently experience healthcare that is less than optimal and often lacking in empathy. AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of an immersive point-of-view simulation on nursing students' empathy towards people with an Acquired Brain Injury. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 390 nursing students from a cohort of 488 participated in the study, giving a response rate of 80%. Students undertook the simulation in pairs and were randomly allocated to the role of either a person with Acquired Brain Injury or a rehabilitation nurse. The simulated 'patients' wore a hemiparesis suit that replicated the experience of dysphasia, hemianopia and hemiparesis. DESIGN: Characteristics of the sample were summarised using descriptive statistics. A two-group pre-test post-test design was used to investigate the impact of the simulation using the Comprehensive State Empathy Scale. t-Tests were performed to analyse changes in empathy pre post and between simulated 'patients' and 'rehabilitation nurses'. RESULTS: On average, participants reported significantly higher mean empathy scores post simulation (3.75, SD=0.66) compared to pre simulation (3.38 SD=0.61); t (398)=10.33, p<0.001. However, this increase was higher for participants who assumed the role of a 'rehabilitation nurse' (mean=3.86, SD=0.62) than for those who took on the 'patient' role (mean=3.64, SD=0.68), p<0.001. CONCLUSION: The results from this study attest to the potential of point-of-view simulations to positively impact nursing students' empathy towards people with a disability. Research with other vulnerable patient groups, student cohorts and in other contexts would be beneficial in taking this work forward.
BACKGROUND: Although empathy is an integral component of professional practice and person-centred care, a body of research has identified that vulnerable patients groups frequently experience healthcare that is less than optimal and often lacking in empathy. AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of an immersive point-of-view simulation on nursing students' empathy towards people with an Acquired Brain Injury. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 390 nursing students from a cohort of 488 participated in the study, giving a response rate of 80%. Students undertook the simulation in pairs and were randomly allocated to the role of either a person with Acquired Brain Injury or a rehabilitation nurse. The simulated 'patients' wore a hemiparesis suit that replicated the experience of dysphasia, hemianopia and hemiparesis. DESIGN: Characteristics of the sample were summarised using descriptive statistics. A two-group pre-test post-test design was used to investigate the impact of the simulation using the Comprehensive State Empathy Scale. t-Tests were performed to analyse changes in empathy pre post and between simulated 'patients' and 'rehabilitation nurses'. RESULTS: On average, participants reported significantly higher mean empathy scores post simulation (3.75, SD=0.66) compared to pre simulation (3.38 SD=0.61); t (398)=10.33, p<0.001. However, this increase was higher for participants who assumed the role of a 'rehabilitation nurse' (mean=3.86, SD=0.62) than for those who took on the 'patient' role (mean=3.64, SD=0.68), p<0.001. CONCLUSION: The results from this study attest to the potential of point-of-view simulations to positively impact nursing students' empathy towards people with a disability. Research with other vulnerable patient groups, student cohorts and in other contexts would be beneficial in taking this work forward.