The empathy continuum: An evidenced‐based teaching model derived from an integrative review of contemporary nursing literature

Aims This paper has two aims : first, to explain the concept of empathy derived from an integrative review of contemporary nursing literature; and second, to profile a new conceptual model that can be used to inform the teaching of empathy. Background Empathy is fundamental to therapeutic communication and integral to quality patient care. However, the lack of agreement on the definition or conceptualisation of empathy in the nursing literature can make teaching and evaluating this skill challenging and inconsistent. Design Integrative review of literature. Data sources Publications from January 2000 to July 2018 in Ovid Medline, Scopus, CINAHLPlus, PsycINFO, and PubMed. Review methods As no integrative review checklists are currently available, a PRISMA checklist was adapted to guide this review. A two‐stage approach was used to explore the concept of empathy. Key definitions and attributes of empathy were identified from 11 primary studies and tabulated to allow for display and comparison. Next, the definitions and attributes of empathy drawn from a purposeful sample of 18 nursing education studies were examined, tabulated and summarised. Finally, the two samples were integrated and synthesised to form a cohesive summary, which was then illustrated with teaching and learning exemplars. Results Despite the lack of consensus on the definitions of empathy evident in the literature, recurring attributes and elements of empathy were evident, leading to the development of a new empathy model. Conclusion Patterns of consistency in the attributes of empathy that emerged from the review provided the basis for a new conceptual model, termed “The Empathy Continuum.” Relevance to clinical practice Each of the stages in the Empathy Continuum can be used to teach learners the meaning, attributes and application of empathy in practice. The model will be relevant to nurse educators as well as educators from other disciplines.