Hospital nurses' empathy and moral sensitivity toward elderly care: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study is to explore factors that influence elderly caring attitudes, with a focus on empathy and moral sensitivity. Background Medical and nursing needs of the elderly have escalated as a consequence of changes induced by aging and the associated diseases and disabilities. Method A cross-sectional study involving 229 nurses from four general hospitals in South Korea was conducted. Questionnaires assessing demographic and work experience information, empathy (Empathy Construct Rating Scale), moral sensitivity (Korean version of the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire) and elderly caring (Elderly Caring Attitude Scale) were used. Data were analysed using multiple regression analysis. Results The factors influencing the caring attitudes of nurses were empathy, moral sensitivity, preference for geriatric nursing and experience with continuing education in geriatric nursing. The explanatory power of this regression model was 59.4%. Conclusions Strategies to enhance empathy and moral sensitivity of nurses and education related to geriatric nursing might help improve elderly caring attitudes. Implications for Nursing Management Continued education in geriatric nursing should be provided for nurses caring for the elderly. In terms of nursing management and education, it is necessary to consider and develop strategies to improve the empathy and moral sensitivity of nurses toward elderly patients.