Can empathy be taught?

Despite the increasing recognition of the impact of empathy on patient outcomes, there is compelling research indicating that contemporary healthcare is besieged by a generalised lack of empathy, which can manifest as apathy, indifference, callousness, cruelty, and dehumanisation. To address this issue, and in recognition of the fact that students’ empathy levels can decline during the period of enrolment in a healthcare degree, nursing programs are increasingly implementing educational interventions designed to enhance students’ empathy levels. However, to date, a limited number of studies have sought to examine the effectiveness of these types of  interventions.

For these reasons we conducted a systematic review of literature to identify whether empathy can be taught and in particular, the effectiveness of empathy interventions for nursing students. We included English language articles published between 2000 and 2018.

Results

Of the 23 included studies, four were experimental and four were case-control studies. Ten of the studies demonstrated a significant change in empathy between pre-test and post-test (p < 0.05). Simulation modalities ranged from role plays, manikin-based scenarios, to 3D e-simulations and point-of-view simulations where students wore hemiparesis suits. The most effective empathy interventions included immersive and experiential simulation-based interventions that focused on vulnerable patient groups and provided opportunities for guided reflection.

Conclusion

The findings of this review are encouraging. However, larger experimental studies that focus on how empathy interventions influence long term practice change are needed.

For further information about this review access:

Levett-Jones, T., Cant, R. & Lapkin, S. (2019). A systematic review of the effectiveness of empathy education for undergraduate nursing students. Nurse Education Today. 75, 80-94 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S026069171830501X 

Written by Tracy Levett-Jones