Abstract
Although empathy is considered a core competency for healthcare providers and has been shown to play an important role in improving patient outcomes, empathy development while working with dying patients is not well understood and may present challenges during clinical training. This qualitative study explored empathy development among 24 undergraduate health professions students participating in an experiential training program where they served as caregivers providing bedside care to hospice patients. An exploratory case study design was used to assess empathy development as expressed via responses to a series of questions and vignettes prior to and upon completion of the training program. Findings indicate a continuum of expressions of empathy and variations over time, suggesting there is value in providing opportunities to practice empathy and reflect on empathic expressions in end-of-life (EOL) care. Exploring empathy development and expression, including the impact of different pedagogical practices, is essential for quality EOL education.
Recommended Citation
Melekis, Kelly; Weisse, Carol S.; Phillips, Emma; and Slattery, Claire
(2024)
"Empathy Development among Undergraduate Health Professions’ Students Serving as Caregivers to Hospice Patients,"
Health Professions Education: Vol. 10:
Iss.
3, Article 14.
DOI: 10.55890/2452-3011.1295
Available at:
https://hpe.researchcommons.org/journal/vol10/iss3/14
