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<p>The rising prevalence of cognitive impairments in older adults necessitates novel caregiver training approaches. Caregivers often face challenges in communication, empathy, and ethical decision-making when supporting individuals with cognitive disorders. This study proposes and examines a Metaverse and Augmented Reality (AR) based educational framework that aims to immerse caregivers in first-person simulations and collaborative virtual environments to foster deeper empathy, reduce stereotypes, and enhance ethical sensitivity.</p><p>We conducted an exploratory qualitative study. Participants engaged in AR and Metaverse simulations representing sensory impairments, memory loss, and ethical dilemmas common in cognitive impairment care. Data were collected through written reflection reports, instructor field notes, and semi-structured video interviews. Thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s framework was used to identify key themes from the data.</p><p>Five interconnected themes emerged: Immersive Empathy (developing emotional resonance with patients’ experiences), Challenging Stereotypes (understanding behaviors as illness-driven), Metaverse Community (fostering collaboration and perspective-taking), Ethical Sensitivity (navigating moral complexities in care), and Technology Acceptance (positive user experiences with the platform). These themes demonstrate how immersive simulations combined with group engagement can deepen understanding, strengthen communication skills, and build caregivers’ ethical confidence.</p><p>This study offers a unique qualitative contribution by linking immersive virtual environments to the development of real-world caregiving competencies. Unlike conventional programs, the framework integrates emotional experience, collaborative learning, and ethical reflection in a scalable and practical design. The results suggest a promising direction for training caregivers to meet the complex needs of an aging population with both skill and compassion.</p>

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Immersive Simulation for Caregiver Empathy Training: A Metaverse-AR Educational Framework Addressing Cognitive Impairment Care Challenges

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月17日

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  • Yujia Zhang,
  • Jun Fan,
  • Hua Liu,
  • Rohani Ismail

摘要

The rising prevalence of cognitive impairments in older adults necessitates novel caregiver training approaches. Caregivers often face challenges in communication, empathy, and ethical decision-making when supporting individuals with cognitive disorders. This study proposes and examines a Metaverse and Augmented Reality (AR) based educational framework that aims to immerse caregivers in first-person simulations and collaborative virtual environments to foster deeper empathy, reduce stereotypes, and enhance ethical sensitivity.

We conducted an exploratory qualitative study. Participants engaged in AR and Metaverse simulations representing sensory impairments, memory loss, and ethical dilemmas common in cognitive impairment care. Data were collected through written reflection reports, instructor field notes, and semi-structured video interviews. Thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s framework was used to identify key themes from the data.

Five interconnected themes emerged: Immersive Empathy (developing emotional resonance with patients’ experiences), Challenging Stereotypes (understanding behaviors as illness-driven), Metaverse Community (fostering collaboration and perspective-taking), Ethical Sensitivity (navigating moral complexities in care), and Technology Acceptance (positive user experiences with the platform). These themes demonstrate how immersive simulations combined with group engagement can deepen understanding, strengthen communication skills, and build caregivers’ ethical confidence.

This study offers a unique qualitative contribution by linking immersive virtual environments to the development of real-world caregiving competencies. Unlike conventional programs, the framework integrates emotional experience, collaborative learning, and ethical reflection in a scalable and practical design. The results suggest a promising direction for training caregivers to meet the complex needs of an aging population with both skill and compassion.