Publisher: Clarion, Pa. : Clarion University of Pennsylvania ; Edinboro, Pa. : Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

Publication Date: 2018

Format: 1 online resource (41 pages).

Description:

The purpose of this study was to establish if participants in the Dementia LiveRTM simulation would experience changes in empathy. Research indicates that many dementia care workers lack the skills necessary to respond to dementia related behaviors due to a lack of dementia specific training (Gaugler, Hobday, Robbins, and Barclay 2016). Empathy is often thought of as an essential component of a nurse's character and is relevant to the delivery of nursing care (Digby, 2016). It is important for the staff to understand what life is like for the person living with dementia. By developing a better understanding of what it is like to live with dementia, the staff can make changes to the care they provide and develop a better understanding of the thoughts and emotions a person living with dementia experiences The Jefferson Scale of Empathy HP version was administered prior to completion of the simulation. Participants then took part in the simulated experience and complete[d] the Jefferson Scale of Empathy HP immediately after completing the simulation. Pretest and posttest scores were evaluated.