Developing Empathy and Motivation Through an Arts-Based Project: A Mixed-Methods Study on Addressing Gaps in Nursing Education for Suicide

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that 700 000 people die every year by suicide. An Arts Health education program was co-designed for pre-registration nursing students to conduct a risk assessment for self-harm and suicide with empathy and compassion. Nursing researchers collaborated with clinicians, a theatre professional and filmmakers to develop an engaging, authentic and evidence-based short film to be embedded in a nursing program. The education program was evaluated by second-year pre-registration students in a multiple-methods study. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected concurrently. Quantitative data were collected using surveys and revealed that the debriefing session which followed the education program fostered reflection, peer learning and critical thinking. To explore the students' perceptions of the short film, qualitative data were collected using five open-ended questions. This data was analysed to identify common themes from the qualitative data on student engagement with the short film. Four themes emerged: (1) The importance of asking risk assessment questions; (2) Making connections; (3) Developing empathy; and (4) Wanting to learn more. This Arts Health education program deepened the student's understanding of the importance of risk assessment and provided an opportunity to practice these skills in a safe environment. Conducting a risk assessment to identify the potential for self-harm and suicide is an important clinical skill that should be mastered by all nurses. It requires communication skills that show empathy and compassion so that the person develops trust to disclose their thoughts of harm.