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- Title
Combination of Teddy Bear Hospital and Virtual Reality Training increases empathy of medical students.
- Authors
Huan Thng, Javier Zheng; Yee Tan, Fion Yun; Hui Yong Aw, Marion Margaret; Hu, Shijia
- Abstract
Introduction: In paediatric practice, healthcare professionals are required to connect with the child and interact at his/her level. However, it can be very difficult for medical students to put themselves in the shoes of the young child, to empathize and understand how a child actually feels while being treated. The Teddy Bear Hospital (TBH) can serve as a platform for medical students to learn how to communicate and empathise with children. Additionally, virtual reality (VR) can be used to portray a child’s viewpoint. This study aims to assess how TBH and VR can improve learning outcomes for medical students. Methods: A cohort study was conducted on 20 first-year medical students taking part in TBH sessions. The medical students did a Pre-, Post- and 1-year Post-intervention Jefferson Scale of Empathy to assess their empathy levels. They also completed a 1- year Post-intervention quantitative and qualitative survey on their experience. Results: There was a significant increase in Jefferson score compared to Pre-intervention (116.95 ± 8.19) for both Postintervention (121.65 ± 11.03) and 1-year Post-intervention (123.31 ± 8.86). More than 80% believed that participating in TBH improved their confidence and ability to interact with children, while 50% felt that VR scenarios helped prepare them for the TBH. Thematic analysis of qualitative responses described (1) Personal development, (2) Insights into interacting with children, and (3) Structure and curriculum. Conclusion: TBH improved empathy and communication with children among pre-clinical medical students and the use of VR can be used to augment sessions.
- Subjects
TEDDY bears; MEDICAL students; VIRTUAL reality; EMPATHY in children; EMPATHY; TRAINING of surgeons
- Publication
Asia Pacific Scholar, 2022, Vol 7, Issue 3, p33
- ISSN
2424-9335
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.29060/TAPS.2022-7-3/OA2739