Hearing Voices: Evaluation of a Six Second Simulation

Purpose:  To examine the impact and efficacy of a 6-second simulation on raising empathy and decreasing stigma around schizophrenia in diverse nursing populations. 

Methods:  Utilizing an experimental descriptive design, third year nursing students volunteered to engage in the six second simulation and write a one page, self-reflection on the experience. Data was collected over six semesters, from 2010-2013.  Three independent evaluators, using the Atlas ti-7 qualitative measurement software., identified five themes using 10 randomly selected self-reflections. These self-reflections were used to establish inter-rater reliability.

Results: Eighty-two randomly selected, anonymous self-reflections were identified for evaluation from the original 200 submitted narratives. Results from that study demonstrated that student’s experienced an increased level of empathy for the schizophrenic patient, a deeper understanding of the stress and anxiety a schizophrenic patient experiences and a professional determination to engage in therapeutic communication techniques to support the clients road to recovery. 

Conclusion: The low fidelity, six-second simulation of hearing voices was effective in increasing empathy for persons experiencing auditory hallucinations and increasing knowledge and insight about psychosis.  Participants considered this an important and valuable experience that increased their commitment to therapeutic communication techniques.