(PO-111) Enhancing Empathy Training Through the Use of Simulators
Sunday, March 20, 2022
1:00pm – 3:00pm EST
Location: Hall C
Author: Simmi Patel, D.D.S. – Texas A&M University College of Dentistry Author: Joshua Liescheski, D.D.S. – Texas A&M University College of Dentistry Author: Karl Veasey, D.D.S. – Texas A&M University College of Dentistry Author: Katharine Nimmons, M.Sc. – Texas A&M University College of Dentistry Submitter: Katharine Nimmons, M.Sc. – Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
Introduction: Our innovative program facilitates a better understanding of patient limitations by using tele-empathy to recreate the experience of symptoms that affect an aging or compromised population. 100 3rd and 4th year dental students on rotation at two extramural clinics in Dallas, Texas wear tele-empathy simulators and experience tremors, various types of vision and hearing impairment, and mobility issues.
Methods: Students receive safety instructions prior to donning the tele-empathy equipment. Students wear simulators to complete tasks such as filling out a medical history in 10-point font, buttoning a shirt with small buttons, counting change, reclining and getting out of a dental chair, and repeating instructions given from a provider wearing a mask. Students are then given adaptations to the same series of tasks: filling out a medical history with 16-point font, buttoning a shirt with larger buttons, counting coins using grippers, getting out of a dental chair with assistance, and giving written and verbal instructions. Students complete Likert sale questionnaires pre- and post-simulation. Using essays or videos, students document their experiences with wearing the simulators and applying the modifications.
Results: Preliminary findings show that students are interested in using the simulators to experience various disease conditions. Students report tinnitus and vision loss as the most challenging disabilities to experience, and filling out a medical history in 10-point font and buttoning a shirt with small buttons as the most difficult tasks to perform. The students appreciate the adaptations offered to complete the tasks.
Conclusion: Disease simulators can promote empathy training. If dental professionals experience their patients’ symptoms, they can better tailor care and instructions, eventually increasing the quality of care for medically compromised patients. Our program represents an educational model that can benefit health care professionals, caretakers, and patients.
