CompletedNot Applicable

Effects of an Aging Simulation Suit on Clinical Empathy in Healthcare Professionals Working in Long-Term Care

Spain82 participantsStarted 2024-01-30

Plain-language summary

This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of using an aging simulation suit on empathy levels among healthcare professionals working in long-term care facilities. A total of 82 participants from four nursing homes in Madrid and Asturias were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group received a theoretical session on aging and empathy, followed by an immersive experience using the GERT aging simulation suit, which replicates age-related physical and sensory limitations. The control group attended only the theoretical session. Empathy was assessed before and after the intervention using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy - Health Professions version (JSPE-HPS). Results showed significant improvements in the JSPE-HPS total score and in its Perspective Taking and Compassionate Care dimensions in the experimental group, indicating that the immersive experience enhanced both cognitive and affective components of clinical empathy. No significant changes were observed in the IRI scores. These findings suggest that experiential learning through aging simulation can effectively strengthen empathy in active healthcare professionals, promoting more person-centered and compassionate care for older adults in long-term care settings.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthcare professional (nurse, nursing assistant, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, physician, psychologist, or social worker). * Currently working in a long-term care or nursing home facility with direct contact with residents. * Willing to participate voluntarily during working hours. * Signed written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Failure to provide written informed consent. * No direct patient contact with older adults. * Any physical or cognitive limitation that would prevent safe participation in the aging simulation experience.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in total score on the Jefferson Scale of Empathy - Health Professions version (JSPE-HPS)

Timeframe: Pre-intervention (baseline) and immediately post-intervention (same day)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07280689

SponsorUniversidad Rey Juan Carlos

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-07-30

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