Methods of empathetic listening12/2/2023 ![]() ![]() This feasibility study was the genesis of this scoping review presented in this paper. As a result of the feasibility study, the research team knew there was a need to understand how empathetic communication was defined and measured in hospital-based clinically focused research. The feasibility study highlighted that there was an unclear understanding of what constituted ‘empathetic communication’ or how to observe or measure this meaningfully. The study measures intended to capture patients’ perceptions of staff empathy during care interactions post-intervention. The feasibility study aimed to determine whether an empathy education programme could be implemented, and whether the proposed research measurement tools employed to assess staff empathy levels and patients’ reports of staff empathy were valid. ![]() In 2020, a feasibility research project was conducted that aimed to establish a positive healthcare culture across several different inpatient wards/units in a hospital in Aotearoa/New Zealand (Author). 15 16 Empathy and empathy education have been reviewed a number of times though systematic reviews and meta-analyses 16–19 however, the topic of ‘empathetic communication’ remains poorly understood when considering engaging in hospital-based research. 14 However, there remains significant inconsistency among scholars about the terms ‘cognitive empathy’ and ‘affective empathy’ and how they are defined impacts the method of measurement, for example, observable interpersonal behaviour or self-reports. 13 A component of affective empathy often described is empathic concern-displaying compassion/sympathy in response to another’s suffering. 11 These are independent from one another, 12 and empathy as a whole is modifiable with interventions. 9 10 Therefore, the development of empathetic communication should be the cornerstone for all health service provider–patient interactions.Įmpathy is a broad umbrella term commonly described as consisting of different dimensions-including cognitive empathy, the ability to understand another’s mental state and affective empathy, the ability to respond to another’s mental state with an appropriate emotion. Developing an understanding of differing perspectives and cultures builds responsibility, adaptability and empathetic communication skills that are critical in ensuring patients receive high-quality care and for developing therapeutic provider–patient relationships. 7 8 A fundamental element of high-quality healthcare is for clinicians to recognise and respond to individual and families’ perspectives. 4 There is evidence to suggest that empathetic provider–patient communication can lead to better outcomes, 5 treatment adherence, 6 and patient satisfaction. 1–3 Patient-centred communication is foundational in building trusting relationships between healthcare providers and patients. Empathy and empathetic communication are important elements in effective patient-centred care. ![]()
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