Assessing the effectiveness of virtual reality to promote empathy for patients through a mixed-methods study

Objective: To describe the implementation and outcomes of EmpathyVR, an immersive experience using virtual reality (VR) to promote empathy for patients with physical limitations due to chronic diseases. Methods: First -year student pharmacists participated in a learning experience that incorporated VR and stiff gloves to simulate physical limitations associated with color -blindness and arthritis, respectively. Students completed pre- and post -intervention surveys that included the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale and measures of immersion, user enjoyment, perceived usefulness for learning, and adverse effects of the experience. A focus group was also conducted with 6 students to obtain additional feedback on the learning experience. Results: Of the 132 students who were enrolled in the program, 131 completed the assigned tasks; 117 of these agreed to participate in the study, and their data were included in the analyses. There was a significant improvement in empathy scores in the cognitive domain from pre- to post -intervention. Post -intervention survey results also demonstrated a high degree of immersion in the experience, high levels of self -reported enjoyment, and high levels of perceived usefulness of the activity to support learning. There was a low to moderate incidence of minor self -reported adverse effects from the activity. Focus group feedback was also positive. One student stated, "... it really allowed you to think and put yourself in their shoes." Conclusion: Implementation of a VR-based learning activity into the first semester of the PharmD curriculum was successful and resulted in improved student empathy scores and a positive learning experience.