Empathy in Wound Care: A Scoping Review of Its Role, Impact, and Barriers to Person-Centred Healing

Abstract

Empathy plays an important role in delivering healthcare, influencing both patient outcomes and satisfaction. However, its role, impact, and barriers to implementation in wound care remain underexplored. This scoping review aims to synthesise existing literature on empathy in wound care, highlighting its contributions to person-centred healing. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, a systematic search was conducted across multiple databases in English, French, German and Italian. Eighteen studies published between 1946 and 2024 met the inclusion criteria. The review identified empathy as a fundamental element in wound care, improving adherence to treatment, reducing psychological distress, and enhancing wound healing through physiological and psychological mechanisms. However, systemic challenges including time constraints, lack of training, and resource limitations hinder its consistent application in clinical practise. This review highlights the need for enhanced education, training, and systemic support to integrate empathy into wound care. Future research should focus on developing validated strategies to adopt empathetic care, ensuring a holistic approach to patient management.