Cultivating Empathy and Compassion Through Sim-Tech: A Reflective Action Research Study Enhancing Community-Based...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy Education
• Social Inclusion Studies
• Experiential Learning Theory

Background:

• Traditional occupational therapy education often lacks focus on emotional and relational skills crucial for community-based practice.
• Developing meaningful engagement with human rights and inclusion requires more than cognitive approaches.
• There is a need for educational strategies that foster empathy and understanding of marginalized populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the effectiveness of immersive and activity-based learning in cultivating compassion among occupational therapy students.
• To deepen students' understanding of marginalization through experiential and reflective practices.
• To investigate how critical reflection in simulated environments influences professional identity and socially responsive practice.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of the Sim-Tech Workshop using the Action Research Cycle at a university's Immersive and Simulation Centre.
• Engagement with 360-degree video scenarios depicting lived experiences of marginalized individuals.
• Incorporation of hands-on simulations (e.g., gardening, activity planning) and structured reflection (dialogue, journalling).

Main Results:

• Students reported increased emotional awareness and a deeper appreciation of challenges faced by marginalized communities.
• Perspective-taking and experiential learning were identified as key facilitators of empathy and compassion.
• The workshop encouraged reflection on personal values and assumptions shaping professional identity.

Conclusions:

• Reflective, immersive learning is valuable for occupational therapy education.
• Experiential methods can effectively cultivate compassion and enhance understanding of marginalization.
• This approach supports the development of socially responsive and compassionate occupational therapy practitioners.