Title : Investigating the effectiveness of artificial intelligence based training on empathy skills and attitude toward communication with deaf children in nursing students
Abstract:
Background: Patient-centered nursing practices require the use of empathy and communication skills. Deaf children have unique communication challenges, necessitating adaptations in educational methods. AI-based training offers nursing students an innovative solution to developing communication skills using interactive exercises and real-time feedback. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of AI-based training on empathy and attitudes toward communication with deaf children in nursing students.
Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study with a pretest/post-test and follow-up control group design, 80 fourth-year nursing students were selected through simple random sampling and assigned to intervention and control groups (alternating assignment). The intervention group received AI-based training for 8 sessions (90 minutes each) over 4 weeks, while the control group received traditional training (lectures and workshops). Data were collected using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE-S), Communication Skills Attitude Scale (CSAS), and Communication Performance Checklist (CPC). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 with independent t-tests, paired t-tests, and ANCOVA.
Results: The intervention group showed statistically significant increases in mean scores of empathy (from 60.07 ± 3.47 to 75.82 ± 3.18, P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 4.73), attitudes toward communication (from 69.48 ± 3.60 to 83.80 ± 3.27, P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 4.16), and communication performance (from 25.50 ± 4.20 to 38.70 ± 3.10, P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 3.55), with large effect sizes and sustained improvements at 6-week follow-up, whereas the control group remained relatively unchanged. Comparison between groups revealed the marked superiority of AI-based training over traditional training (ANCOVA P < 0.001 for all outcomes, partial η² > 0.58).
Conclusion: The enhanced empathy skills and communication attitudes in nursing students regarding interaction with deaf children were a direct result of AI-based training. This innovation should therefore be embraced and integrated into nursing instruction.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, Child, Communication Skills, Education, Empathy, Hearing Loss, Nursing.
