Empathy in Oncology Nursing: Descriptive Qualitative Study

Background: The concept of empathy is among the important concepts of nursing and an essentialcomponent in nursing care of cancer patients. Empathetic care is necessary to relieve pain, reduceanxiety, and increase hope and adaptation in cancer patients. This study was conducted to explorethe perceptions of nurses, patients and family members regarding nurses’ empathetic behaviours.Explaining the viewpoint of people suffering cancer, the members of patient’s family and the nursesof oncology provide an exact and reliable criterion for offering care based on empathy in theclinical environment.Methods: Descriptive exploratory qualitative approach was used in this study, and 33 participantshave entered the study by purposive sampling method. Data collection was performed by usingsemi-structured deep interviews. Data analysis was performed by qualitative content analysismethod and based on Lundman and Graneheim method.Findings: Two main categories emerged from the data analysis: (1) empathetic attention whichincludes welcoming attitude The allocation of time to the patients Putting oneself in thepatients’ shoes (2) empathetic presence which includes Sympathy Emotional support andconsolation Providing information Professional accountability and commitment .Conclusion: Empathic behaviour is an essential component in nursing care that affects thepsychological distress experienced by patients. Empathy should be considered as values in patientcare and nurses should be familiar with their role in supporting and caring for cancer patients.