The meaning and impact of empathic relationships in hospice nursing

Abstract

This naturalistic field study was designed to explore the patient's perspective of the nature, meaning, and impact of empathic relationships with hospice nurses. The findings are part of a larger study, focused on the meaning and impact of empathic relationships that develop between hospice nurses and their patients. Data were generated through in-depth interviews with 14 terminally ill adults receiving home-based hospice care. According to the hospice patient, an empathic relationship developed through a process of reciprocal sharing and revealing of personhood within a context of caring and acceptance. The experience of an empathic relationship meant being acknowledged as an individual, a person of value. The outcome of the empathic relationships between hospice nurses and their patients was the improvement and maintenance of patients' physical and emotional well-being. Understanding the patient's perspective is critical for effective nursing interventions and meaningful outcomes. Future research needs to explore empathic relationships between the nurse and family caregivers in various settings.