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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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82 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2024
- Finished
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Sep 2024
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthcare professional (nurse, nursing assistant, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, physician, psychologist, or social worker). * Currently working in a long-term care or nursing home facility with direct contact with residents. * Willing to participate voluntarily during working hours. * Signed written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Failure to provide written informed consent. * No direct patient contact with older adults. * Any physical or cognitive limitation that would prevent safe participation in the aging simulation experience.
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Alcorcón, Madrid, 28922, Spain
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