Table 1.

Empathy-building workshop program

Topics	Learning objectives (At the end of this workshop the students will be able to …)	Learning activities	Approximate time (min)
Introduction	… describe the importance and objectives of empathy-building workshop	Lecture	15
Epidemiology of aging	… describe epidemiology of aging	Lecture	20
Physiological and psychological changes of aging	… explain physiological and psychological changes of aging	Lecture, question and answer	60
Common barriers to communication in older adults	… explain barriers to communication in older adults	Lecture, group discussion, Clip presentation	30
Exercise on communication	… analyze challenges and their own experiences in communication with elderly people	- Three scenarios were presented: - The students were asked to identify and discuss the challenges in the scenarios - Encouraged students to discuss their experiences of similar situations with elderly people - Giving feedback and summing up	40
Interactions between healthcare professionals and older patients	… interact professionally with older patients in a simulated situation	Role play on listening skills, lecture, group discussion	60
Definition of self-awareness and its importance	... discuss self-awareness and its importance	Lecture and group discussion	30
Exercise on self-awareness	… identify their own attitudes toward aging and its impact on their communication with elder patients	-The students were asked to identify their feelings and attitudes toward aging and its impact on their communication with elderly patients -Giving feedback and summing up	45
Empathy skills, understanding, listening, accepting others, etc.	… explain empathy skills and their importance	Lecture and group discussion	90
Exercise on empathy skills	…discuss empathetic behaviors and lack of empathy in nurse-patient relationship ….identify their own barriers and abilities to show empathy toward older adults	- Presenting one scenario and two short clips about empathy with elderly patients -Asking students to discuss the scenario within their groups and identify empathic or lack of empathic behaviors. - Giving feedback and summing up	90