Ms Danielle Noble

© 2017 International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning Background: Empathy is integral to therapeutic relationships and person-centered care. Interventions specifically targeting empathy toward people who have a disability may be of benefit to nursing education. Method: In this article, we describe a novel point-of-view simulation designed to enhance empathy toward people who have a disability as a result of acquired brain injury. Nursing students' perspectives of the simulation were examined using a concurrent nested mixed methods design and using the Satisfaction with Disability Simulation Experience Scale, which includes 18 closed and one open-ended question. Results: A total of 384 second-year nursing students from a population of 488 participated, giving a response rate of 79%. The overall mean satisfaction score was 4.49/5.0 (standard deviation = 0.55), indicating a high level of agreement with each of the survey items. Thirty-five participants responded to the open-ended question, and analysis of their comments revealed three themes: A valuable experience, new insights, and standing in someone else's shoes. Conclusion: Given that there is compelling research about the benefits of empathic engagement with patients, the results from this study support continuing investment in point-of-view simulation experiences.

© 2017 Elsevier Ltd Background Although empathy is an integral component of professional practice and person-centred care, a body of research has identified that vulnerable patients groups frequently experience healthcare that is less than optimal and often lacking in empathy. Aim The aim of this study was to examine the impact of an immersive point-of-view simulation on nursing students' empathy towards people with an Acquired Brain Injury. Setting and Participants A convenience sample of 390 nursing students from a cohort of 488 participated in the study, giving a response rate of 80%. Students undertook the simulation in pairs and were randomly allocated to the role of either a person with Acquired Brain Injury or a rehabilitation nurse. The simulated ¿patients¿ wore a hemiparesis suit that replicated the experience of dysphasia, hemianopia and hemiparesis. Design Characteristics of the sample were summarised using descriptive statistics. A two-group pre-test post-test design was used to investigate the impact of the simulation using the Comprehensive State Empathy Scale. t-Tests were performed to analyse changes in empathy pre post and between simulated ¿patients¿ and ¿rehabilitation nurses¿. Results On average, participants reported significantly higher mean empathy scores post simulation (3.75, SD = 0.66) compared to pre simulation (3.38 SD = 0.61); t (398) = 10.33, p < 0.001. However, this increase was higher for participants who assumed the role of a ¿rehabilitation nurse¿ (mean = 3.86, SD = 0.62) than for those who took on the ¿patient¿ role (mean = 3.64, SD = 0.68), p < 0.001. Conclusion The results from this study attest to the potential of point-of-view simulations to positively impact nursing students' empathy towards people with a disability. Research with other vulnerable patient groups, student cohorts and in other contexts would be beneficial in taking this work forward.