Journal article
Measuring the impact of a ‘point of view’ disability simulation on nursing students' empathy using the Comprehensive State Empathy Scale
Nurse education today, Vol.59, pp.75-81
12/2017
PMID: 28957727
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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.
Details
- Title
- Measuring the impact of a ‘point of view’ disability simulation on nursing students' empathy using the Comprehensive State Empathy Scale
- Creators
- Tracy Levett-Jones - University of Technology SydneySamuel Lapkin - University of WollongongNatalie Govind - University of Technology SydneyJacqueline Pich - University of Technology SydneyKerry Hoffman - University of Newcastle AustraliaSarah Yeun-Sim Jeong - University of Newcastle AustraliaCarol Anne Norton - University of Newcastle AustraliaDanielle Noble - University of Newcastle AustraliaLorna Maclellan - University of Newcastle AustraliaMelissa Robinson-Reilly - University of Newcastle AustraliaNaleya Everson - University of Technology Sydney
- Publication Details
- Nurse education today, Vol.59, pp.75-81
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Identifiers
- 991013092674702368
- Copyright
- © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article