Effects of Dementia Simulation on Empathy in Family Caregivers: A Pilot Study.

IF 1.5 4区医学 Q3 NURSING

Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services Pub Date : 2026-07-01 Epub Date: 2026-02-16 DOI:10.3928/02793695-20260209-02

Zina Karana, Olimpia Paun, Amber Kujath, Ben Inventor

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Purpose: The current pilot study evaluated the effects of a dementia simulation program, the Virtual Dementia Tour^®, on empathy in family caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) using quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Method: Study design was a pre/post quantitative survey and postintervention focus groups. Quantitative analysis used descriptive statistics of changes in responses to the Empathy and Understanding in Dementia Index (EUDI). A focus group discussion guide was developed based on Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory. Thematic analysis was conducted for qualitative data.

Results: Mean scores increased in responses to 14 of 15 items of the EUDI. Qualitative analysis yielded three major themes: Empathy, Dementia Knowledge, and Challenges.

Conclusion: Dementia simulation programs increase empathy in family caregivers. Participants identified a need for others to participate to increase empathy and improve caregiving strategies. Research including a broader population is needed. Nurse clinicians should implement empathy-enhancing interventions to support caregivers of PWD.

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痴呆模拟对家庭照顾者共情的影响：一项初步研究。

目的：目前的试点研究使用定量和定性方法评估了痴呆症模拟程序Virtual dementia Tour®对痴呆症患者（PWD）家庭照顾者共情能力的影响。方法：研究设计为干预前/干预后定量调查和干预后焦点小组。定量分析使用描述性统计对痴呆指数（EUDI）的共情和理解反应的变化。根据科尔布的体验式学习理论，制定了焦点小组讨论指南。对定性数据进行专题分析。结果：在EUDI的15个项目中，有14个项目的平均得分有所提高。定性分析产生了三个主要主题：同理心、痴呆症知识和挑战。结论：痴呆模拟程序增加了家庭照顾者的同理心。参与者认为需要他人的参与来增加同理心和改善护理策略。需要对更广泛的人群进行研究。临床护士应实施移情增强干预措施，以支持残疾患者的护理人员。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services 医学-护理

CiteScore

1.60

自引率

0.00%

发文量

117

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： The Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services is a peer-reviewed, monthly journal for psychosocial and mental health nurses in a variety of community and institutional settings. For more than 50 years, the Journal has provided the most up-to-date, practical information available for today’s psychosocial-mental health nurse, including short contributions about psychopharmacology, mental health care of older adults, addictive behaviors and diagnoses, and child/adolescent disorders and issues. Begin to explore the Journal and all of its great benefits such as: • Monthly feature, “Clip & Save: Drug Chart,” a one-page resource of up-to-date information on current medications for various psychiatric illnesses • Access to current articles, as well as several years of archived content • Articles posted online just 2 months after acceptance • Continuing Nursing Education credits available each month