Other Titles
Rising Star Poster/Presentation
Abstract
Purpose & Background: In the United States, over 90% of persons with dementia (PWD) receive assistance from family caregivers (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024). Family caregivers of PWD experience greater caregiving challenges and increased burden compared to caregivers of older adults without dementia (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024). Caregiver empathy increases caregiver wellbeing and reduces caregiving burden (Han, 2020). Simulation interventions have been identified as tools to effectively increase empathy (Batt-Rawden et al., 2013; Peng et al., 2020; Slater et al., 2021). The purpose of this study was to evaluate how the Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT) simulation affected empathy levels in family caregivers of PWD. The Virtual Dementia Tour is a dementia simulation program highlighting the sensory and behavioral challenges that PWD experience and provides strategies to improve dementia caregiving (Beville, 2002).
Theoretical Framework: Experiential learning enables people to learn from experiences to guide future actions. Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory describes learning through a four-phase cycle: Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualization, and Active Experimentation (Kolb, 1984). After an experience, participants reflect and develop new knowledge based on the experience, then enact the knowledge gained through active experimentation (Kolb, 1984).
Methods: Following participation in the VDT simulation, a focus group discussion was conducted to explore the impact of the intervention. Thematic analysis identified major themes and subthemes (Clarke & Braun, 2017; Nowell et al., 2017). Participants completed a Likert-scale Ease-of-Use survey evaluating ease of participation in the study and perceived benefits of the VDT.
Results: Eight participants completed the VDT and participated in focus group discussions. Seven participants completed the Ease-of-Use survey. Thematic analysis identified three major themes: Dementia Knowledge (subthemes: Sensory Challenges, Experiential Learning, Others Could Benefit from VDT); Challenges (subthemes: Daily Life, Vigilance, Healthcare Coordination); and Empathy (subthemes: Patience, Affirming/Maximizing Positive Behaviors). All participants reported they found the VDT beneficial and would recommend it to others.
Conclusions: The VDT can be used as an empathy-enhancing tool for family caregivers of PWD.
Notes
References:
Alzheimer’s Association. (2024). Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.
Batt-Rawden, S. A., Chisolm, M. S., Anton, B., & Flickinger, T. E. (2013). Teaching Empathy to Medical Students: An Updated, Systematic Review. Academic Medicine, 88(8), 1171–1177. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0b013e318299f3e3
Beville, P. K. (2002). Virtual Dementia Tour© helps sensitize health care providers. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias, 17(3), 183–190. https://doi.org/10.1177/153331750201700301
Clarke, V., & Braun, V. (2017). Thematic analysis. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 12(3), 297–298. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2016.1262613
Han, A. (2020). Interventions for Attitudes and Empathy Toward People With Dementia and Positive Aspects of Caregiving: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Research on Aging, 42(2), 72–82. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1177/0164027519884766
Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Prentice-Hall.
Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2017). Thematic Analysis: Striving to Meet the Trustworthiness Criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16(1), 160940691773384. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917733847
Peng, X., Wu, L., Xie, X., Dai, M., & Wang, D. (2020). Impact of Virtual Dementia Tour on empathy level of nursing students: A quasi-experimental study. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 7(3), 258–261. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2020.06.010
Slater, P., Hasson, F., Moore, K., & Sharkey, F. (2021). Simulated Based Dementia Training: Impact on Empathic Understanding and Behaviour Among Professionals and Carers. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 55, 43–51. CINAHL Complete. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2021.04.004
Sigma Membership
Gamma Phi
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Qualitative Research
Keywords:
Dementia, Family Caregivers, Simulation, Virtual Reality, Experiential Learning
Recommended Citation
Karana, Zina; Paun, Olimpia; Kujath, Amber; and Inventor, Ben, "Virtual Dementia Tour for Family Caregivers: Thematic Analysis" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 197.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/posters_2025/197
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Invited Presentation
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Virtual Dementia Tour for Family Caregivers: Thematic Analysis
Seattle, Washington, USA
Purpose & Background: In the United States, over 90% of persons with dementia (PWD) receive assistance from family caregivers (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024). Family caregivers of PWD experience greater caregiving challenges and increased burden compared to caregivers of older adults without dementia (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024). Caregiver empathy increases caregiver wellbeing and reduces caregiving burden (Han, 2020). Simulation interventions have been identified as tools to effectively increase empathy (Batt-Rawden et al., 2013; Peng et al., 2020; Slater et al., 2021). The purpose of this study was to evaluate how the Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT) simulation affected empathy levels in family caregivers of PWD. The Virtual Dementia Tour is a dementia simulation program highlighting the sensory and behavioral challenges that PWD experience and provides strategies to improve dementia caregiving (Beville, 2002).
Theoretical Framework: Experiential learning enables people to learn from experiences to guide future actions. Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory describes learning through a four-phase cycle: Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualization, and Active Experimentation (Kolb, 1984). After an experience, participants reflect and develop new knowledge based on the experience, then enact the knowledge gained through active experimentation (Kolb, 1984).
Methods: Following participation in the VDT simulation, a focus group discussion was conducted to explore the impact of the intervention. Thematic analysis identified major themes and subthemes (Clarke & Braun, 2017; Nowell et al., 2017). Participants completed a Likert-scale Ease-of-Use survey evaluating ease of participation in the study and perceived benefits of the VDT.
Results: Eight participants completed the VDT and participated in focus group discussions. Seven participants completed the Ease-of-Use survey. Thematic analysis identified three major themes: Dementia Knowledge (subthemes: Sensory Challenges, Experiential Learning, Others Could Benefit from VDT); Challenges (subthemes: Daily Life, Vigilance, Healthcare Coordination); and Empathy (subthemes: Patience, Affirming/Maximizing Positive Behaviors). All participants reported they found the VDT beneficial and would recommend it to others.
Conclusions: The VDT can be used as an empathy-enhancing tool for family caregivers of PWD.
Description
A qualitative study examining the impact of the Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT) dementia simulation program on empathy in family caregivers of persons with dementia living in a home environment. Thematic analysis identified three major themes: Dementia Knowledge, Challenges, and Empathy. Participants found the VDT beneficial and expressed a need for others to participate in the simulation.