gms | German Medical Science

Background and Purpose: Being empathic can reduce or even intensify nurses' mental stress. The primary aim of the empCARE training programme is to reduce nurses' mental stress by using empathy in a reflected way.

Model/Framework: empCARE is based on the Empathy-Pseudo-empathy-Process-Modell (EPPM) developed by Altmann, Schönefeld, Roth at the University Duisburg-Essen. EPPM explains the positive and negative effects empathic behaviour can have on the nurses themselves.

Methods: 280 nurses from two hospitals and a home care service participated on 25 intensive two day courses plus practice reflections in group coachings some weeks after the trainings. 53 participants were educated as mentors for the colleagues of their departments.

Research Focus: In a formative evaluation the participants rated contents, exercises and practical relevance of the training. Documentations and a thorough reflection of the trainings and coachings by the trainers are an additional source for the evaluation.

Methodological and Theoretical Focus: The participants’ ratings and the analysis of the trainers’ reflections bring together quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods and help to improve the training programme.

Results: empCARE proves as an evidence based training programme. It consists of a two day intensive course and coachings.

Conclusions: Reflected empathic behaviour can reduce nurses’ mental stress. The empCARE tools can be used in individual reflection, interaction with patients or case discussions within teams.