Developing Empathy in Paramedic Students Using Didactic and Deliberate Practice Education Programs: A Mixed-Methods Study

Authors

Nick J. Waltrich, Deakin UniversityFollow
Jade Sheen PhD, Deakin UniversityFollow
Mathew Ling, Deakin UniversityFollow
Melissa O'Shea, Deakin UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Paramedics often attend to patients presenting with a mental illness, however research suggests paramedics have difficulties when attending to this patient cohort. Conversely, clinical psychologists receive training that focuses on developing strong therapeutic relationships with their patients through the use of empathy. As research has highlighted that paramedic students are known to demonstrate low levels of empathy, this study aimed to investigate the utility of two education methods used in clinical psychology training, didactic teaching and deliberate practice (DP), to develop the skill of empathy in paramedic students. Method: Students currently enrolled in an Australian paramedic university degree were recruited to participate. Participants (n = 32) were randomly allocated to one of two education programs aimed to develop their empathy: didactic teaching or DP. Participant’s empathy scores were measured before and after participation in the education programs via online simulation activities. Pre-post empathy scores were analysed using a 2x2 mixed ANOVA. A subset of participants also participated in interviews outlining their experience of the education programs and main learnings. Results: Quantitative results demonstrated that participants allocated to either empathy education program showed significantly higher levels of empathy post the education programs. However, there was no significant difference in the overall improvements in empathy scores associated with either education program. Qualitative analysis of interview data revealed different themes for each education program. Interviews with participants from the didactic education program revealed two themes: Flexibility over structure and Empathy is treatment. Interviews with participants from the DP education program revealed two themes: Confronting but beneficial and A slower, more human approach. Conclusion: Paramedic student’s empathy can be developed with short, targeted education programs using education methods borrowed from clinical psychology training. This better equips paramedic students to provide better patient care to those presenting with a mental illness. Universities and ambulance services may look to incorporate empathy training for paramedic students and qualified paramedics.

Author Bio(s)

Nicholas Waltrich is currently an operational paramedic working in Victoria, Australia. He is also a registered psychologist and works in a youth forensic setting.

Associate Professor Jade Sheen, SFHEA, MAPS, is a clinical psychologist and research who works as an associate professor at Deakin University and as a Clinical/Health Psychologist and Family Therapist.

Mathew Ling, PhD., is a Research and Evaluation Lead at Neami National, a Community Mental Health Services Provider in Australia. He holds an Adjunct Research Fellowship at Deakin University.

Melissa O'Shea is a clinical psychologist and leads postgraduate clinical psychology training at Deakin University. She also holds qualifications in clinical leadership and is passionate about developing work-ready clinical psychology graduates. Her research interest includes innovation in teaching and learning in professional psychology and integrative psychology

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the following people/organisations: - Skillsetter for allowing the use of their online skill-building platform for this study - Kaye Frankcom Consulting for delivering the Deliberate Practice education stream of this study - Karina Nurse (Doctoral of Psychology student) for rating the participant’s videos for their level of empathy - Beaumaris Theatre Inc. for their services in developing the video stimuli

Recommended Citation

Waltrich NJ, Sheen J, Ling M, O'Shea M. Developing Empathy in Paramedic Students Using Didactic and Deliberate Practice Education Programs: A Mixed-Methods Study. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2025 Oct 15;23(4), Article 28.