Healing beyond the surface: Empathy's role in chronic wound care a qualitative study

Aim

This study aimed to investigate health professionals’ perceptions of the impact of empathy on healing outcomes, patient satisfaction and delivery of wound care.

Materials and methods

A descriptive qualitative approach was used, employing semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 10 healthcare professionals specializing in wound care in Australia. Participants were purposively sampled, and interviews lasted between 22 and 47 min. Data collection concluded upon achieving saturation. Interviews were transcribed verbatim using CORV, a secured transcription tool, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic framework. Rigor was ensured by employing COREQ guidelines, triangulating data analysis, and including direct quotes for confirmability.

Results

Three key themes emerged: (1) Empathy as a Foundation for Trust, Engagement, and Collaboration where participants emphasized that empathy promotes trust, improves patient adherence, and aligns treatment goals. (2) The Dual Role of Empathy in Addressing Emotional and Physical Barriers to Healing where empathetic care alleviated psychological distress, built resilience, and improved adherence to care regimens. (3) Barriers and Facilitators to Empathy in Wound Care where time constraints, emotional fatigue, and cultural differences were identified as barriers, while mentorship, training, and supportive environments facilitated empathetic care.

Conclusion

Health professionals considered empathy to be a critical factor in enhancing patient satisfaction and supporting healing outcomes in wound care. By providing trust, addressing emotional barriers, and aligning care with patient needs, empathy plays a meaningful role in the care process. Additionally, addressing systemic barriers and thoughtfully integrating empathy training into clinical practice can contribute to improved outcomes in chronic wound management.