Simulation can provide an opportunity to experience life/ experiences other than our own, and this can include experience of ill health – diseases, conditions and treatments. Hot off the press from Advances in Simulation, Walking in the shoes of our patients is a scoping review in which the authors sought to understand the ways that simulation can allow healthcare professionals or students to experience ill health, and what impact that has on their empathy .. 

In this episode Vic was joined by first author Milda Karvelyte – a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology graduate from Queen’s University Belfast and current medical student at the University of Aberdeen – and by senior author (and long-time friend of Simulcast) Gerry Gormley - a practicing GP and Professor in Simulation at Queen’s University Belfast. Gerry is a socio-cultural researcher and has an interest in broadening the reach of simulation across health and social care professions. 

We spoke about the challenges of experiencing and demonstrating empathy, about the process of the scoping review, the findings and what this means for simulation educators and researchers. 

We reflected on the unintended consequences of this type of simulation activity and – as usual – encourage thoughtful application to practice. 

Happy listening! 

vb