Empathy and High-Fidelity Human Patient Simulators: A Critical Analysis of Undergraduate Nursing Education

Abstract

This paper critically examines the role of high-fidelity human patient simulators in undergraduate nursing education, particularly for empathy development. While high-fidelity human patient simulators are instrumental for clinical skills practice, they fall short of adequately fostering empathy. Underlining the centrality of empathy in nurse–patient relationships for positive health outcomes, blended learning approaches integrating role-play with human-to-human interactions are suggested. In this discussion paper, the historical perspectives on empathy, the challenges in measuring and developing empathy, the impact of the pandemic-induced shift to simulation-based clinical training, and the influence of neoliberal values on nursing education are examined. We explore research that highlights the importance of authentic patient engagement and calls for human-centric approaches in simulation pedagogical approaches. We suggest the need for balanced educational strategies prioritizing authentic human interactions.