Effectiveness of a theory-based empathy enhancement in increasing Master of Nursing students' empathy and practice of...

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an empathy enhancement based on Experiential Learning Theory in increasing Master of Nursing students' empathy toward smokers, positive attitude toward smoking cessation, self-efficacy and practice of 5 A's (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist and Arrange).

Empathy is a critical competency for healthcare professionals in delivering smoking cessation counseling.

A randomized controlled trial (Registration ID: NCT05864339).

Master of Nursing students (n = 56) who enrolled in a 2023 smoking cessation course were randomized to either an empathy-enhancement intervention or conventional teaching. Both groups engaged in case-based discussions and role-play demonstrations using smoker scenarios. Intervention group additionally received a 20-minute empathy lecture and used the Health Empathy Map. Outcomes were assessed using the Comprehensive State Empathy Scale (pre-post tutorial) and the ProSCiTE tool (baseline, post-tutorial, 2-month follow-up) for attitude, self-efficacy and 5 A's practice. Linear mixed model and Cohen's f² effect size were used to analyze group-by-time interactions. Post-tutorial students' qualitative feedback was collected and analyzed.

The intervention group showed more improvement in the outcomes than control group, including small-to-medium effect size for empathy (f²=0.084, p = 0.017), self-efficacy (f²=0.022, p = 0.049) and 'Advise' practice (f²=0.031, p = 0.049). Effect size for 'Ask' practice was medium-to-large (f²=0.201, p = 0.002). Qualitative feedback revealed that the reflection through Health Empathy Map helped students contextualize smokers' barriers and refine cessation strategies.

This study showed that the effectiveness of empathy enhancement based on Experiential Learning Theory increased Master of Nursing students' empathy, self-efficacy and practice of smoking cessation.