Walk a mile in their shoes: aging suit boosts empathy in nursing home staff
NCT ID NCT07280689
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether having healthcare workers wear a special suit that mimics the physical challenges of aging could increase their empathy toward older adults. 82 nurses, therapists, and other staff from four nursing homes took part. Half wore the suit and did everyday tasks, then discussed their experience; the other half only attended a lecture. Those who used the suit showed significant improvements in clinical empathy, especially in understanding patients' perspectives and providing compassionate care.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
aging simulation suit (GERT suit) plus educational session
What this could lead to
If this approach works, it could lead to better, more compassionate care for older adults in nursing homes.
What could go wrong
This was a small, completed study with only 82 participants. The empathy improvements were seen on one scale but not another, so the effect may be limited or not generalizable.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for AGING are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Alcorcón, Madrid, 28922, Spain