Integrating Digital Empathy in Nursing Education to Improve Patient Outcomes in a Digital World: A Walker and Avant Conceptual Analysis

Background: The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and technology requires educators to determine different aspects of digital education, such as ensuring learners have digital empathy skills. Purpose: This article aims to analyze digital empathy by identifying the key attributes, using Walker and Avant’s method for concept analysis, specifically in nursing education. Analyzing digital empathy will help educators ensure that graduates cultivate digital empathy in the changing realm of technology-driven education and healthcare. Methods: A thorough literature search was completed through multiple databases such as CINAHL, PubMed, and EBSCO; the search engine Google Scholar was also utilized. Initial search terms utilized included ‘digital empathy,’ ‘online empathy,’ ‘education,’ and ‘nursing education.’. Findings: Digital empathy is a complex ability to determine an individual’s feelings and perceptions using digital communication techniques. Defining attributes are authenticity, emotional control, and perspective-taking. Practice Implications: Healthcare is evolving through telehealth into digital communications and conversations, which can present new challenges to ensure that providers display and pick up on patient nontraditional cues. Learners need to learn digital empathy not only with their peers and educators but also for future patient interactions.