Exploring the Effect on Pharmacy Students' Empathy Following a Simulation Using 360-Degree Video

Objective: To explore the effects of a simulation using virtual reality 360-degree video on the empathy of pharmacy students. Methods: First-year pharmacy students participated in a synchronous, in-person simulation using 360-degree video technology. The 4-min immersive video was developed from a patient perspective to improve the learner's understanding and increase empathy for the patient. Empathy was assessed using the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ), which was administered presimulation and postsimulation, along with responses to an open-ended reflection question postsimulation. Results: Forty-four students participated in the simulation. A total of 12 students completed the TEQ before and after the simulation. There was no statistically significant change in TEQ scores pre and postsimulation. Researchers analyzed the written takeaway responses of all 44 students who participated in the simulation. Qualitative analysis revealed the following themes: silent struggle, patient-centered focus, safe environment, and communication. Conclusion: Despite the lack of significant change in TEQ scores, the qualitative findings from this pilot study revealed 4 key themes. These themes highlighted that, upon reflecting on their participation in the 360-degree video simulation, students understood the key attributes of empathy and recognized the value of providing empathetic care to patients and communication that promotes empathetic care. Further research is required to determine if 360-degree video is an effective method of simulation delivery to enhance empathy in pharmacy students.