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Enhancing Empathy: A Mixed Methods Exploration of Dementia Simulation in Occupational Therapy and Nursing Education
Suzanne Parkman1, Julie Larouche2, Ashley Condon1
1School of Nursing.
Purpose:
Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, poses complex challenges requiring health care providers to respond with empathy and skill. The current study examined whether a simulation-based dementia education intervention could enhance empathy in health care students.
Methods:
Using embedded mixed methods, one-group quasi-experimental design, empathy levels in 125 pre-licensure nursing and graduate occupational therapy students were measured via the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale-Revised (KCES-R) before, immediately after, and 6 weeks post-simulation. In addition, 36 post-debriefing focus groups explored student experiences qualitatively.
Results:
Findings showed significant empathy score increases across all time points (F[2,124] = 17.02, p < 0.001). Thematic analysis revealed five themes: The Illusion of Empathy, Developing Empathetic Skills, Confronting Uncomfortable Truths, The Eureka Moment: Transformative Realizations, and Empathy and Power Dynamics.
Conclusion:
Findings suggest that simulation-based dementia experience improves empathy and motivates students to provide better care. Experiential learning is critical to preparing future health care professionals to meet the growing demands of dementia care.
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