A1 Journal article (refereed)
Empatia : video reflection method for reflecting on empathic interactions between care worker and client (2023)
Rydman, V. M. R., & Saari, E. (2023). Empatia : video reflection method for reflecting on empathic interactions between care worker and client. Journal of Workplace Learning, 35(8), 713-731. https://doi.org/10.1108/JWL-11-2022-0144
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Rydman, Vilja M. R.; Saari, Eveliina
Journal or series: Journal of Workplace Learning
ISSN: 1366-5626
eISSN: 1366-5626
Publication year: 2023
Publication date: 29/08/2023
Volume: 35
Issue number: 8
Pages range: 713-731
Publisher: Emerald
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JWL-11-2022-0144
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/89048
Abstract
This paper aims to introduce the Empatia video reflection method, designed to enhance care workers’ awareness of empathic care. The method makes the quality of care visible, which is needed when digitalization efforts in elder care focus on the efficiency and adequacy of care work.
Design/methodology/approach
The Empatia method leans on previous studies of the interaction between care professionals and clients and elaborates further previous video reflection methods. In empathic care work, the care worker sees the client on their life continuum, rather than focusing on only medical treatments.
Findings
The empirical example demonstrates how a care worker gained awareness of their empathic interaction habits. Within the work community, the reflection process sparked discussions on values: the purpose of care work and how to conduct empathic care. Focusing on empathic relationships in care fosters both the client’s and the care worker’s well-being.
Practical implications
The strength of the Empatia method is that it makes empathy visible in interaction and something that is individually and collectively learnable. The Empatia includes an analytical tool for researchers to reveal empathy in client interaction. It can be developed further into a reflection tool for service work to learn how to be empathic in service encounters.
Originality/value
Compared to other video-stimulated recall methods, the Empatia involves contextual understanding of care work. Empowering positive interactions instead of detecting errors and solving problems is a novel concept and is scantily used in studies of organizational learning. The Empatia provides a detailed method description that allows for the replication of the method by anyone.
Keywords: empathy; interaction; care work; nursing (work); nursing staff; care for the elderly; video; reflection (cognitive processes); learning
Free keywords: reflection; video-stimulation; empathy; learning; elder care; interaction
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2023
JUFO rating: 1
