EDU_04AchievingTeam Education
Innovative Empathy-Building Education
Summary
Use creative and multimedia resources (films, documentaries, music, visual arts, podcasts, books, storytelling) within training sessions to explicitly build staff empathy towards diverse patient groups.
Supporting information
Traditional diversity training often fails to create lasting change in attitudes and behaviours. Innovative approaches using storytelling, simulation, and creative methods help staff emotionally connect with patient experiences, building genuine empathy that transforms practice.
Approaches to implementation:
- Use immersive simulations to experience healthcare from marginalised patients' perspectives
- Share video stories and podcasts featuring patient voices and experiences
- Facilitate reflective discussions about emotional responses to patient stories
- Create shadowing opportunities with community organisations
- Use forum theatre or role-play to practice challenging scenarios
- Measure impact through patient feedback on staff empathy and understanding
Key benefits: Builds deeper understanding and emotional connection that drives sustained behaviour change, creating more compassionate care for patients facing multiple disadvantages.