Abstract
ABSTRACT|The purpose of this grant-funded project was to evaluate the effectiveness of the "Hearing Voices Simulation" experience for occupational therapy (OT) students. This project explored the value of the simulation in building empathy in (OT) students towards individuals who experience auditory hallucinations, most commonly as a symptom of a mental illness. The investigators facilitated the simulation lab in March 2019 with 116 first year OT students enrolled in OTD 317: Occupational Therapy in Mental Health. Following the simulation, the students provided feedback on the effectiveness of the experience. The simulation proved to be an effective learning modality to build empathy toward individuals. Furthermore, with skill development and attainment of self-confidence through this simulation, students may overcome obstacles, including anxiousness, when applying their skills in mental health settings (Chaffin & Adams, 2013). In addition, students may change their attitudes and perceptions on individuals experiencing similar symptoms in mental health settings(Kidd, Tusaie, Morgan, Preebe, & Garrett, 2015). The purpose of incorporating a virtual reality simulation in OTD 317 is to apply knowledge about mental illness, increase said knowledge with higher levels of familiarity, reduce anxiousness, and gain confidence and empathy.