This randomized controlled trial aims to explore the impact of an Empathy-Based Program on the level of empathy among nursing assistants in a long-term care facility. A total of 100 participants will be divided into two groups: a virtual reality (VR) with debriefing group, and a control group (C) receiving routine care. The intervention involves a weekly 5-minute VR session featuring immersive experiences of residents' lives within the facility, followed by a 25-minute debriefing discussion in small groups of 5\~6 participants. This will continue for three weeks. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of the empathy program in enhancing nursing assistants' empathy levels, with data collection occurring at three time points: baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up.
This study aims to investigate whether an Empathy-Based Program can enhance the level of empathy among nursing assistants working in long-term care facilities. The trial will include 100 participants who will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: a virtual reality (VR) with debriefing group, and a control group (C) receiving routine care. The intervention consists of a 30-minute session once a week for three weeks, comprising a 5-minute virtual scenario video followed by a 25-minute small-group debriefing session with 5 to 6 participants. The primary objective of the study is to assess the impact of the Empathy-Based Program on participants' empathy levels, empathic behaviors, and attitudes toward older adults. Data will be collected at multiple time points throughout the intervention, and statistical analyses will be conducted to determine the effectiveness of the empathy-based sessions.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
103
Participants will receive a weekly 5-minute VR session featuring immersive experiences of residents' lives within the facility, followed by a 25-minute debriefing discussion in small groups of 5\~6 participants. This will continue for three weeks.
Taipei Medical University
Taipei, None Selected, Taiwan
Empathy Level
Empathy level was measured using the full, unabbreviated Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Professions Version (JSE-HP), which constructs and assesses the multi-dimensional empathy levels of healthcare professionals (including perspective taking, compassionate care, and standing in patient's shoes). The JSE-HP consists of 20 items answered on a 7-point Likert scale. The total score ranges from a minimum of 20 to a maximum of 140. A higher total score indicates a greater level of empathy (a better outcome), whereas a lower total score represents a worse outcome. Individual subscale scores were combined by summation to compute the final total score.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention), end of intervention (week 3), and follow-up at one month post-intervention (week 7)
Attitudes Toward Older People
Attitudes toward older adults were measured using the full, unabbreviated Kogan's Attitudes Toward Older People Scale (KAOP), which constructs and assesses the positive and negative sentiments toward elderly populations. The KAOP consists of 34 items answered on a 6-point Likert scale. The total score ranges from a minimum of 34 to a maximum of 204. A higher total score indicates a more positive attitude toward older adults (a better outcome), whereas a lower total score represents a more negative attitude (a worse outcome)
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention), end of intervention (week 3), and follow-up at one month post-intervention (week 7)
Empathic Behavior
Empathic behavior was measured using a Structured Empathic Behavior Rating Scale, which constructs and evaluates observable empathic behaviors exhibited by nursing assistants during direct resident caregiving interactions. The scale utilizes a standardized checklist to rate specific behavioral interactions. The total score ranges from a minimum of 12 to a maximum of 84. A higher total score indicates a higher frequency or better quality of demonstrated empathic behaviors (a better outcome), while a lower score represents fewer or poorer empathic behaviors.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention), end of intervention (week 3), and follow-up at one month post-intervention (week 7)
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