Enhancing Empathy: A Mixed Methods Exploration of Dementia Simulation in Occupational Therapy and Nursing Education.

Abstract

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 prelicensure 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.