An Experiential Learning Activity on Empathy in Chiropractic Students: A Descriptive Report

Objective: The purpose of this report is to describe an experiential learning activity on empathy for first-year chiropractic students. Methods: An experiential learning exercise utilizing standardized patients was developed for incoming students to highlight a potential decrease in empathy during their education, and to impart the importance of empathy in the Doctor-Patient relationship. Results: The learning activity on empathy was delivered to 747 first year students over 4 academic years. This consisted of a group briefing, standardized patient encounter, group debrief and subsequent video reflection. Conclusion: An experiential learning activity was developed and implemented to address the potential deterioration of empathy in first-year chiropractic students.