The objective of this study is to position the Ethnoacting in VR intervention within the context of educational methods that utilise dramatic techniques to enhance cognitive empathy among nursing students. This innovative approach addresses common applications of role-play in nurse education.
Grounded in the Interacting Cognitive Subsystems theory from psychology, the intervention focuses on developing an understanding of patients’ feelings without requiring group performance interactions. This approach is expected to significantly enhance nursing students’ cognitive empathy skills.
The project also encourages nursing practitioners to consider Ethnoacting in VR as a compelling alternative to traditional group role-playing techniques.
The intervention will be tested with nursing students and apprentices in March 2025 at the University of East London. Its effectiveness will be evaluated using survey research and statistical analysis. Findings will be published in:
Stamatiou, E., Cox, G., Thoma, V., & Sanni, O. (forthcoming 2026). Ethnoacting in VR: An equivalent to role-playing in healthcare education. In Tizzard-Kleister & Firth, T. (Eds.), Using Applied Drama in Nursing and Healthcare Education: A Handbook for Educators, Routledge.