A Simulation of Auditory Hallucinations Improved Empathy among Occupational Therapy Students

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Bibliographic Details
Title: A Simulation of Auditory Hallucinations Improved Empathy among Occupational Therapy Students
Language: English
Authors: Molly Whitlow, Anna E. Carl, Andrea Thinnes
Source: Journal of Occupational Therapy Education. 2023 7(1).
Availability: Journal of Occupational Therapy Education. 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475. e-mail: jote@eku.edu; Web site: https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2023
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Simulation, Occupational Therapy, Allied Health Occupations Education, Auditory Stimuli, Auditory Perception, Validity, Empathy, Student Attitudes, Attitude Change, Allied Health Occupations, Psychological Testing
ISSN: 2573-1378
Abstract: Clinical empathy has been identified as an essential skill for healthcare workers to provide quality healthcare. One teaching strategy for improving clinical empathy towards people with psychiatric disabilities is the Hearing Voices Simulation. This study used an explanatory sequential mixed methods design to evaluate change in clinical empathy among occupational therapy students after participating in the Hearing Voices Simulation. Participants (N=71) completed the Jefferson Scale of Empathy- Health Professions Student Version (JSE-HPS) prior to and following the simulation. A paired samples t-test compared whether the change in scale scores was equal to zero. Subsequently, focus groups were used to collect qualitative data. This study found that although already high at baseline, mean JSE-HPS scores increased significantly following the simulation experiences (p=0.004). Four main themes emerged from the focus groups: 1) temporary discomfort, 2) improved understanding, 3) reformulating stigmatizing attitudes and sharing with others, and 4) planned changes for fieldwork and future clinical practice. Auditory simulations may increase occupational therapy students' empathy. Occupational therapy programs may consider the Hearing Voices Simulation or other simulations for improving clinical empathy among students.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1467273
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Clinical empathy has been identified as an essential skill for healthcare workers to provide quality healthcare. One teaching strategy for improving clinical empathy towards people with psychiatric disabilities is the Hearing Voices Simulation. This study used an explanatory sequential mixed methods design to evaluate change in clinical empathy among occupational therapy students after participating in the Hearing Voices Simulation. Participants (N=71) completed the Jefferson Scale of Empathy- Health Professions Student Version (JSE-HPS) prior to and following the simulation. A paired samples t-test compared whether the change in scale scores was equal to zero. Subsequently, focus groups were used to collect qualitative data. This study found that although already high at baseline, mean JSE-HPS scores increased significantly following the simulation experiences (p=0.004). Four main themes emerged from the focus groups: 1) temporary discomfort, 2) improved understanding, 3) reformulating stigmatizing attitudes and sharing with others, and 4) planned changes for fieldwork and future clinical practice. Auditory simulations may increase occupational therapy students' empathy. Occupational therapy programs may consider the Hearing Voices Simulation or other simulations for improving clinical empathy among students.
ISSN:2573-1378