Exploring Perceptions Of Empathy Among Nurses And Patients In Wuhan China:Qualitative Study

Background:Empathy is significantly associated with the nurse-patient relationship,patient satisfaction with care and service quality.However,various factors may hinder a nurse's ability to express empathy.Objective:To explore perceptions and experiences of nurses and patients regarding empathy,the potential impact on patient satisfaction,and identify barriers and facilitators for expression of empathy by nurses.Method:A descriptive phenomenology approach was used to analyze content that was collected via semi-structured interviews.A framework for this analysis was developed based on the work of three theorists important in the field of empathy(King,1981;Kim et al.,2004;and Weng et al.).Twelve(12)key informants were interviewed;participants included six(6)nurses and six(6)of their patients.All interviews were transcribed and analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis approach.Results:Analysis of the data revealed nine(9)main super-ordinate themes that are in alignment with the conceptual framework for the study.Seven(7)of the themes represent factors that influence facilitate the expression of nursing empathy:1)awareness of empathy,2)attitude changing with situations,3)level of professional skills,4)degree of reciprocity between nurse and patient/families,5)prior personal experiences and traits,6)nursing intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction from exhibiting empathy,7)organizational culture.Two themes focused centered on the impact(or outcome)nursing empathy based upon if it was present or absent.These include:1) demonstrate use of professional role of the nurse,2)patient satisfaction.Conclusion:The findings of this study contribute to a better and new understanding of nurses' and patients' perspectives and experiences regarding empathy and satisfaction.Certain factors can facilitate expression of empathy by nurses,and where these factors are lessened or absent that can serve as barriers for nursing empathy.Multiple barriers to offering empathy need to be overcome,and facilitators need to be enhanced.Further research is necessary to determine how best to support facilities and reduce barriers for nursing empathy in China.