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Using virtual reality in medical education to teach empathy
Elizabeth Dyer1, Barbara J Swartzlander2, Marilyn R Gugliucci3
1Associate Dean for Library Services and Research and Teaching Librarian, Abplanalp Library, University of New England, Portland, ME 04103.
Journal of the Medical Library Association : JMLA
|October 2, 2018
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) training enhances empathy in health professions students by simulating age-related conditions. This innovative approach improves understanding and compassion for older adults, highlighting VR
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Gerontology
- Virtual Reality Technology
Background:
- Healthcare professionals require enhanced empathy when treating aging populations.
- Traditional methods may not fully convey the patient experience of age-related conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in fostering empathy among health professions students towards older adults.
- To integrate VR patient simulations into medical and nursing curricula.
Main Methods:
- Utilized immersive VR software for students to experience age-related diseases (e.g., macular degeneration, hearing loss) from a patient's perspective.
- Collaborated with librarians and faculty to embed VR assignments into existing curricula.
- Students accessed VR modules conveniently through the library.
Main Results:
- Successfully implemented VR as a novel teaching modality across medical, physician assistant, physical therapy, and nursing programs.
- VR training significantly improved students' comprehension of age-related health issues.
- Observed a notable increase in student empathy towards older adults with conditions like vision/hearing loss and Alzheimer's disease.
Conclusions:
- Virtual reality immersion is a highly effective pedagogical tool for cultivating empathy in future healthcare providers.
- The integration of VR presents a growing opportunity for library and academic partnerships.
- Establishing best practices for VR utilization in libraries is crucial as the technology becomes more accessible.
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