Evaluating Empathy and Understanding in Caregivers of Persons with Dementia- A Pre and Post Assessment of Dementia Simulation Participation
Major
Nursing, BSN
Submission Type
Oral Presentation
Area of Study or Work
Nursing
Faculty Advisor
Amber Kujath
Location
CNS E101
Start Date
4-12-2025 11:15 AM
End Date
4-12-2025 12:15 PM
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of dementia is rising globally. Individuals with dementia rely on informal caregivers for long-term support. Research supports that empathy enhances caregiver well-being. Significance: Caregiver burden can lead to burnout, negatively affecting care quality. Enhanced cognitive empathy reduces burnout and improves caregiver relationships. Investigating interventions that enhance caregivers’ empathy is essential. Purpose: This study evaluates the Virtual Dementia Tour® (VDT), an immersive simulation program, in increasing empathy and understanding among dementia caregivers. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used. Participants were recruited via online advertisements and word of mouth. Participants completed a demographic survey and the Empathy and Understanding in Dementia Index (EUDI), which was used to measure empathy and understanding. Participants completed the VDT and a facilitated debriefing and then repeated the EUDI. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre and post results for the EUDI and the three domains of the tool. Results: There was a significant increase in post-intervention EUDI totals (mean=65.5, SD=8.52) compared to pre-intervention (mean=54.6, SD=11.09), t(24)=-6.575, p<0.001. Significant increases were also demonstrated in the empathetic understanding of the impact of dementia domain, (mean=29.7, SD=4.8) compared to pre-intervention totals (mean=22.6, SD=6.7), t(24)=-5.917, p<0.001. Discussion: The VDT increased caregiver empathy demonstrated by significant increases in the EUDI scores. Enhanced empathy may reduce caregiver burden and improve care quality. Study limitations include: a small sample size, mostly female, and all non-hispanic participants. Some participants in the study were non-family caregivers. Conclusions: This study supports immersive simulations for improving caregiving experiences. Specifically, the ability to understand and share the experience of dementia and the ability to provide person-centered care. Further research is needed to explore the applicability in other caregivers.
Evaluating Empathy and Understanding in Caregivers of Persons with Dementia- A Pre and Post Assessment of Dementia Simulation Participation
CNS E101
Background: The prevalence of dementia is rising globally. Individuals with dementia rely on informal caregivers for long-term support. Research supports that empathy enhances caregiver well-being. Significance: Caregiver burden can lead to burnout, negatively affecting care quality. Enhanced cognitive empathy reduces burnout and improves caregiver relationships. Investigating interventions that enhance caregivers’ empathy is essential. Purpose: This study evaluates the Virtual Dementia Tour® (VDT), an immersive simulation program, in increasing empathy and understanding among dementia caregivers. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used. Participants were recruited via online advertisements and word of mouth. Participants completed a demographic survey and the Empathy and Understanding in Dementia Index (EUDI), which was used to measure empathy and understanding. Participants completed the VDT and a facilitated debriefing and then repeated the EUDI. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre and post results for the EUDI and the three domains of the tool. Results: There was a significant increase in post-intervention EUDI totals (mean=65.5, SD=8.52) compared to pre-intervention (mean=54.6, SD=11.09), t(24)=-6.575, p<0.001. Significant increases were also demonstrated in the empathetic understanding of the impact of dementia domain, (mean=29.7, SD=4.8) compared to pre-intervention totals (mean=22.6, SD=6.7), t(24)=-5.917, p<0.001. Discussion: The VDT increased caregiver empathy demonstrated by significant increases in the EUDI scores. Enhanced empathy may reduce caregiver burden and improve care quality. Study limitations include: a small sample size, mostly female, and all non-hispanic participants. Some participants in the study were non-family caregivers. Conclusions: This study supports immersive simulations for improving caregiving experiences. Specifically, the ability to understand and share the experience of dementia and the ability to provide person-centered care. Further research is needed to explore the applicability in other caregivers.