Assessing the effectiveness of virtual reality to promote empathy for patients through a mixed-methods study.
Am J Pharm Educ
; 88(6): 100702, 2024 Jun.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38688454
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To describe the implementation and outcomes of EmpathyVR, an immersive experience using virtual reality (VR) to promote empathy for patients with physical limitations due to chronic diseases.METHODS:
First-year student pharmacists participated in a learning experience that incorporated VR and stiff gloves to simulate physical limitations associated with color-blindness and arthritis, respectively. Students completed pre- and post-intervention surveys that included the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale and measures of immersion, user enjoyment, perceived usefulness for learning, and adverse effects of the experience. A focus group was also conducted with 6 students to obtain additional feedback on the learning experience.RESULTS:
Of the 132 students who were enrolled in the program, 131 completed the assigned tasks; 117 of these agreed to participate in the study, and their data were included in the analyses. There was a significant improvement in empathy scores in the cognitive domain from pre- to post-intervention. Post-intervention survey results also demonstrated a high degree of immersion in the experience, high levels of self-reported enjoyment, and high levels of perceived usefulness of the activity to support learning. There was a low to moderate incidence of minor self-reported adverse effects from the activity. Focus group feedback was also positive. One student stated, " it really allowed you to think and put yourself in their shoes."CONCLUSION:
Implementation of a VR-based learning activity into the first semester of the PharmD curriculum was successful and resulted in improved student empathy scores and a positive learning experience.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Estudantes de Farmácia
/
Educação em Farmácia
/
Empatia
/
Realidade Virtual
Limite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Am J Pharm Educ
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de publicação:
Estados Unidos