Construction of an empathy ability index system for clinical nurses using the ADDIE model: a Delphi study

Background Empathy is closely related to the nursing process; it is a fundamental and essential quality required by nurses to cultivate a healthy nurse–patient relationship. However, no systematic or scientific model of empathy training is currently available for clinical nurses. Objective We constructed a standardised training system for nurses’ empathy abilities based on the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) Model, Davis’ multidimensional empathy theory, and empathy cycle theory. Design An online two-round Delphi survey of empathy care experts was conducted. Methods From January 2023 to July 2023, literature reviews, semi-structured interviews with regularly trained nurses, and group discussions were conducted to develop an indicator system for cultivating nurses’ empathy abilities. This involved 20 nursing experts from Beijing, Hubei, Jiangsu, Hainan, Shanxi, Guangdong, and Chongqing. The inclusion criteria for indicators were a mean score of ≥4 points and a coefficient of variation of <0.25. Combined with the research group’s in-depth analysis of the experts’ suggestions, a system for cultivating and practising nursing empathy abilities was formed. Results After two Delphi rounds, the final index system included a three-part indicator system, with 14 first-level indicators, 24 s-level indicators, and 29 third-level indicators. The response rates for the two rounds were 100 and 85%, the proportions of experts providing suggestions were 60 and 47.06%, and the expert authority coefficient of the two rounds of consultation were 0.898 and 0.869, respectively. Conclusion The educational pathway constructed to cultivate nurses’ empathy included ability training, training implementation, and training effect evaluation. This Delphi study established expert consensus and preliminary content validity for the indicator system. Future implementation studies with pre- and post-training assessments are needed to evaluate its feasibility and educational effectiveness in clinical nursing populations.