Ethnoacting in VR for Cognitive Empathy in Nurses (pilot study)

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 was first tested with nursing students and apprentices in March 2025 at the University of East London, who were already active as nursing and care staff in various settings. Its effectiveness was evaluated using survey research and statistical analysis. Qualitative data confirmed a positive experience and a successful focus on the patient experience instead of a focus on the concept of cognitive empathy. The cultivation of the ability to understand the patients' feelings was experienced in the VR through the juxtaposition of patient experience and the individual attitudes of the nurses. Findings will be published in:

Stamatiou, E., Cox, G., Thoma, V., Balla, G. & Sanni, O. (forthcoming 2026). Ethnoacting in VR for Cognitive Empathy in Nurses: 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.