Interventions to Enhance Empathy and Person-Centered Care for Individuals With Dementia: A Systematic Review

Empathy, or the ability to imagine what someone else may be feeling or thinking, is a crucial component of meaningful care provision, including person-centered care (PCC), and has been shown to enhance care provider and patient well-being. The purpose of the current review was to examine the impact of interventions focused on improving the ability of health care providers or students to experience and/or communicate with empathy. Of 1,427 publications reviewed, 18 articles met inclusion criteria. All studies incorporated empathy or empathic communication competencies in their training or intended variables of change. PCC concepts were used in guiding the development of most interventions. Some interventions significantly improved participant empathy, attitudes toward patients with dementia, and certain verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Current study reports on improved positive interpersonal communication skills by nursing assistants are promising. Future study to improve therapeutic communication and delivery of dementia care with empathy using enhanced study design and measurement are needed. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 13(3), 158-168.].