Humanization and empathy in undergraduate nursing students: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Empathy is a critical component of providing humanized care. However, its incorporation into the training of future nurses is currently limited.

Aim: To examine the relationship between empathy and humanization in nursing students and analyze their association with sociodemographic factors, clinical practice starts year and completed internship periods.

Methods: A cross-sectional, multicenter correlational study was conducted with 369 nursing students with clinical experience. Data collection took place from October 2023 to February 2024. The study utilized the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist and employed the Healthcare Professional Humanization Scale and the Jefferson Empathy Scale for Health Professionals. Data were analyzed using statistical software package 28.0.

Results: Results showed low empathy scores with no significant sex differences. Compassionate care and the ability to empathize decreased with more clinical experience. Humanization values were low to medium and unaffected by sociodemographic factors. A positive correlation was found between empathy and humanization, with students in the high humanization group showing higher empathy and cognitive empathy.

Conclusion: Empathy exerts a positive influence on the humanization process. As the amount of clinical experience increases, the level of empathy tends to decline. Developing interventions that foster the growth of emotional competencies in students will allow for quality and more humanized healthcare.

Keywords: Clinical experience; Empathy; Humanization; Nursing students.