1
|
Luetke Lanfer H, Reifegerste D, Weber W, Memenga P, Baumann E, Geulen J, Klein S, Müller A, Hahne A, Weg-Remers S. Digital clinical empathy in a live chat: multiple findings from a formative qualitative study and usability tests. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:314. [PMID: 38459522 PMCID: PMC10921626 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10785-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical empathy is considered a crucial element in patient-centered care. The advent of digital technology in healthcare has introduced new dynamics to empathy which needs to be explored in the context of the technology, particularly within the context of written live chats. Given the growing prevalence of written live chats, this study aimed to explore and evaluate techniques of digital clinical empathy within a familial cancer-focused live chat, focusing on how health professionals can (a) understand, (b) communicate, and (c) act upon users' perspectives and emotional states. METHODS The study utilized a qualitative approach in two research phases. It examined the expected and implemented techniques and effectiveness of digital clinical empathy in a live chat service, involving semi-structured interviews with health professionals (n = 9), focus group discussions with potential users (n = 42), and two rounds of usability tests between health professionals (n = 9) and users (n = 18). Data were examined using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Expected techniques of digital clinical empathy, as articulated by both users and health professionals, involve reciprocal engagement, timely responses, genuine authenticity, and a balance between professionalism and informality, all while going beyond immediate queries to facilitate informed decision-making. Usability tests confirm these complexities and introduce new challenges, such as balancing timely, authentic responses with effective, personalized information management and carefully framed referrals. CONCLUSIONS The study reveals that the digital realm adds layers of complexity to the practice of clinical empathy. It underscores the importance of ongoing adaptation and suggests that future developments could benefit from a hybrid model that integrates the strengths of both AI and human health professionals to meet evolving user needs and maintain high-quality, empathetic healthcare interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Luetke Lanfer
- School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Universitaetsstrasse 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Doreen Reifegerste
- School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Universitaetsstrasse 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Winja Weber
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division Cancer Information Service, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paula Memenga
- Department of Journalism and Communication Research, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, Hanover, Germany
| | - Eva Baumann
- Department of Journalism and Communication Research, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, Hanover, Germany
| | - Julia Geulen
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division Cancer Information Service, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Klein
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division Cancer Information Service, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Susanne Weg-Remers
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division Cancer Information Service, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kowalski CJ, Redman RW, Mrdjenovich AJ. The Doctor-Patient Relationship, Partnership Theory, and the Patient as Partner: Finding a Balance Between Domination and Partnership. HEALTH CARE ANALYSIS 2024:10.1007/s10728-023-00473-9. [PMID: 38244099 DOI: 10.1007/s10728-023-00473-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
It is perhaps most useful to approach the Doctor-Patient relationship (DPR) by admitting that it's complicated. We review some of the strategies that have been employed to mitigate this complexity, zeroing in on one that promises to capture the main features of the DPR without eliminating some of its more important, existential components; pieces of the puzzle that must be retained if we are to avoid oversimplification and the errors that can arise by ignoring important foundational properties. We believe that a useful way to look at the DPR and to capture essential features that must be balanced in the process is provided by Partnership Theory and its definition in terms of the so-called domination and partnership systems. We apply this theory to the DPR and investigate the implications of this application to health care. We see that in the absence of mitigating circumstances, adoption of the patient-as-partner model serves healthcare well and is flexible enough to accommodate circumstances that dictate modifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles J Kowalski
- University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd., Bldg. 520, Suite 1169, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Richard W Redman
- University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd., Bldg. 520, Suite 1169, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Adam J Mrdjenovich
- University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd., Bldg. 520, Suite 1169, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Role of Empathy and Lifelong Learning Abilities in Physicians and Nurses Who Work in Direct Contact with Patients in Adverse Working Conditions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19053012. [PMID: 35270702 PMCID: PMC8910215 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19053012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Empathy and lifelong learning are two professional competencies that depend on the four principles of professionalism: humanism, altruism, excellence, and accountability. In occupational health, there is evidence that empathy prevents work distress. However, in the case of lifelong learning, the evidence is still scarce. In addition, recent studies suggest that the development of lifelong learning varies in physicians and nurses and that it is sensitive to the influence of cultural stereotypes associated with professional roles. This study was performed with the purpose of determining the specific role that empathy and lifelong learning play in the reduction in occupational stress. This study included a sample composed by 40 physicians and 40 nurses with high dedication to clinical work in ambulatory consultations from a public healthcare institution in Paraguay. Somatization, exhaustion, and work alienation, described as indicators of occupational stress, were used as dependent variables, whereas empathy, lifelong learning, gender, discipline, professional experience, civil status, and family burden were used as potential predictors. Three multiple regression models explained 32% of the variability of somatization based on a linear relationship with empathy, lifelong learning, and civil status; 73% of the variability of exhaustion based on a linear relationship with empathy, somatization, work alienation, and discipline; and 62% of the variability of work alienation based on a linear relationship with lifelong learning, exhaustion, and discipline. These findings indicate that empathy and lifelong learning play important roles in the prevention of work distress in physicians and nurses. However, this role varies by discipline.
Collapse
|
4
|
Pérez-Fuentes MDC, Herrera-Peco I, Molero Jurado MDM, Oropesa Ruiz NF, Ayuso-Murillo D, Gázquez Linares JJ. A Cross-Sectional Study of Empathy and Emotion Management: Key to a Work Environment for Humanized Care in Nursing. Front Psychol 2020; 11:706. [PMID: 32477202 PMCID: PMC7237745 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction At the present time, technological advances have increased the technification of healthcare services, in which high priority is given to efficiency and results achieved, leading healthcare personnel to prioritize administrative and procedural aspects to the detriment of humanization of care and the work environment. Objective This study was intended to continue progress in research on the work environment based on the humanization construct by analyzing the explanatory value of emotional intelligence and empathy in nursing personnel. Materials and Methods The study was quantitative, observational, and cross-sectional. The sample was made up of 338 Spanish nurses with a mean age of 32.20 (SD = 7.54; range 22–56). The instruments employed for analysis were the Healthcare Professional Humanization Scale (HUMAS), Brief Emotional Intelligence Inventory for Adults, and Basic Empathy Scale (BES). Results Mood and stress management—both emotional intelligence components—and cognitive empathy explained over half (51%) of the variability found in humanization of care in a sample of nurses. Furthermore, the mediation models proposed emphasized the mediating role of cognitive empathy in stress management and improvement in mood and its relationship to humanization. Conclusion It is recommended that healthcare professionals reinforce their personal competencies in order to tend to the needs of their patients empathetically and improve emotional competencies for coping successfully with potentially stressful situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Del Carmen Pérez-Fuentes
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Politécnica y Artística del Paraguay, Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Ivan Herrera-Peco
- Nursing Department, Health Sciences Collegue, Alfonso X el Sabio University, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - José Jesús Gázquez Linares
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pérez-Fuentes MDC, Gázquez Linares JJ, Molero Jurado MDM, Simón Márquez MDM, Martos Martínez Á. The mediating role of cognitive and affective empathy in the relationship of mindfulness with engagement in nursing. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:16. [PMID: 31910847 PMCID: PMC6947930 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-8129-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The work of health professionals is characterized by a high demand for psychological and emotional resources and high levels of stress. Therefore, the promotion of commitment and job well-being through strategies such as increased mindfulness, is important among nursing workers. Although mindfulness has shown positive effects in the health field, few studies have explored the mechanisms and processes underlying these results. We investigated the mediating role of empathy (cognitive/affective) in the effect of mindfulness on the dimensions of engagement in nursing professionals. METHODS Sample was comprised of 1268 Spanish nurses between 22 and 62 years old, that completed the Utrecht Labor Engagement Scale and the adapted versions of Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and Basic Empathy Scale. The relationship between variables to be included in the regression analyses, bivariate correlations were carried out, and the descriptive statistics of these variables were also found. To estimate the mediation model was used, in this case for multiple mediation effects. RESULTS Mindfulness is found to affect the Vigor and Dedication factors of engagement through cognitive empathy. While for the Absorption factor, the affective component of empathy also exerts a mediating role, although weaker than cognitive empathy. Cognitive empathy, as an individual factor, was shown to have a mediating effect between mindfulness and the factors of engagement in healthcare workers. CONCLUSIONS The level of mindfulness influences engagement of nursing professionals positively, and this result is mediated mainly by cognitive empathy. Both mindfulness and empathy are modifiable individual factors, so their intervention by designing and implementing specific programs, can increase the commitment and wellbeing of professionals generating benefits to workers and to their patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Del Carmen Pérez-Fuentes
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, 04120, Almería, Spain.
- Universidad Politécnica y Artística del Paraguay, Asunción, Paraguay.
| | - José Jesús Gázquez Linares
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, 04120, Almería, Spain
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, 4780000, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pérez-Fuentes MDC, Molero Jurado MDM, Del Pino RM, Gázquez Linares JJ. Emotional Intelligence, Self-Efficacy and Empathy as Predictors of Overall Self-Esteem in Nursing by Years of Experience. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2035. [PMID: 31620041 PMCID: PMC6759937 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Empirical research on self-esteem has a special interest in nursing professionals, because they work in a challenging environment that requires, in order to continue working during their working age, a strong physical, social and emotional involvement. The objective was to determine the explanatory value of individual variables such as Self-efficacy, Empathy and Emotional Intelligence on Self-esteem in a sample of nursing professionals, to identify which variables have the most explanatory value for overall self-esteem with years of experience. The study sample consisted of a total of 1,601 Spanish nurses aged 22–60, with a mean age of 31.19 (SD = 6.59) years. The emotional intelligence factors in all cases were observed to have positive correlations with overall self-esteem. Mood was still the predictor with the most explanatory weight in all the groups. General Self-Efficacy disappeared in the model of professionals with the most experience. Organizations and management nursing should implement intervention programs that promote wellbeing and satisfaction in workers during their working age. It would be of interest to train nursing professionals in such necessary competences as Empathy, Emotional Intelligence and Self-Efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Del Carmen Pérez-Fuentes
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Politécnica y Artística del Paraguay, Asunción, Paraguay
| | | | - Rosa María Del Pino
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - José Jesús Gázquez Linares
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pérez-Fuentes MDC, Jurado MDMM, Gázquez Linares JJ. Explanatory Value of General Self-Efficacy, Empathy and Emotional Intelligence in Overall Self-Esteem of Healthcare Professionals. SOCIAL WORK IN PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 34:318-329. [PMID: 31035855 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2019.1606752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We analyze the explanatory value of individual variables such as self-efficacy, empathy and Emotional Intelligence for self-esteem in a sample of healthcare workers, and identicare the variables with the most explanatory value for overall self-esteem. A total of 386 healthcare professionals participated in this study (nursing, Certified Nursing Assistants, physicians and physiotherapists). In all the healthcare professionals, Mood, a dimension of Emotional Intelligence, and Self-Efficacy are predictors of self-esteem. This study showed that Self-Efficacy, Empathy and Emotional Intelligence have a significant positive relationship with Self-Esteem. The results have important practical implications for to promote the worker's wellbeing and health.
Collapse
|