Simulation based on experiential learning in diabetes education to promote empathy towards the patient

Abstract

Method: The eleventh cohort of the Diploma were distributed into four groups and each participant was asked to set a goal to achieve within a month regarding physical activity, as well as trying to support their peers. All interactions within the group were carried out virtually. At the end of the activity, they were asked to write a reflection on the experience. A convenience sampling was carried out and all the reflections were analyzed qualitatively, using a conventional content-analysis that allowed the creation of categories and subcategories. Results: Four categories were obtained: 1) Personal impact (3 subcategories), 2) Reinforcement by the group, 3) Empathy towards patients and 4) Practical knowledge (2 subcategories). Conclusion: Analysis of the participants' reflections showed that they were emotionally involved in the activity, leading them to an empathetic understanding of the difficulties experienced by diabetics when trying to change their habits. In addition, the experience led them to suggest ways to overcome these difficulties, consequential to those they themselves put into practice over their own.