The Effect of Virtual Empathy Training on Nurses' Empathy and Attitudes Toward Elderly Care

Abstract

Introduction: This study evaluated the effect of virtual empathy skills training on nurses' attitudes toward elderly care.

Methods: A quasi-experimental, single-group, pre-test/post-test study was conducted in 2023. Eighty-four nurses from Yazd Shohadaye Kargar Hospital were selected via purposive sampling. Over five weeks, participants received empathy skills training through a virtual group created using dedicated software and an educational brochure. Each week, participants shared their patient care experiences. The researcher facilitated discussions to challenge perspectives, provided summaries, and encouraged feedback. Data were collected via a self-report questionnaire comprising demographic items and the Jefferson Empathy Scale, administered before the intervention, immediately after, and two months post-intervention. Data were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Post-intervention, the mean empathy score showed a statistically significant increase from the pre-intervention score (p < 0.001). This significant improvement in empathy was maintained at the two-month follow-up (p < 0.001). The mean attitude score also increased significantly from baseline at both post-intervention assessments (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: The training effectively enhanced nurses' empathy and improved their attitudes toward elderly care. Incorporating empathy training into undergraduate nursing education is therefore recommended.