Impact of an Aging Simulation Game on Pharmacy Students' Empathy for Older Adults

Am J Pharm Educ. 2015 Jun 25;79(5):65. doi: 10.5688/ajpe79565.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate changes in empathy and perceptions as well as game experiences among student pharmacists participating in an aging simulation game.

Methods: First-year student pharmacists participated in an aging simulation game. Changes were measured pre/post-activity using the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale (KCES) and Jefferson Scale of Empathy--Health Professions Scale (JSE-HPS) for empathy and the Aging Simulation Experience Survey (ASES) for perceptions of older adults' experiences and game experiences. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to determine changes.

Results: One hundred fifty-six student pharmacists completed the instruments. Empathy using the KCES and JSE-HPS improved significantly. Of the 13 items in the ASES, 9 significantly improved.

Conclusion: Simulation games may help students overcome challenges demonstrating empathy and positive attitudes toward elderly patients.

Keywords: attitudes; empathy; game; geriatrics; pharmacy students.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Clinical Competence
  • Curriculum
  • Education, Pharmacy / methods*
  • Empathy
  • Female
  • Geriatrics / education*
  • Health Occupations
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Simulation
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Students, Pharmacy / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult