The relationship between empathy skills and intercultural communication of midwives and nurses

Aim: It was conducted to determine the relationship between the empathy skills and intercultural communication of midwives and nurses. Material and Method: The research sample consists of 426 midwives and nurses who meet the research criteria. The data of the study were collected using three forms. These; Introductory Information Form, Empathic Tendency Scale, Intercultural Effectiveness Scale. Findings: 426 midwives/nurses aged between 21-55, 74.6% of whom were at the undergraduate level, participated in the study. It was determined that 57% of the midwives/nurses participating in the study mostly found themselves sufficient in understanding the patients, and 73.2% had negative communication with the patient's relatives. It was determined that the total mean score of the Intercultural Effectiveness scale of the midwives/nurses participating in the study was 64.59±8.84, and the total mean score of the Empathic Tendency scale was 71.00±8.01. A significant relationship was found between Empathic Tendency Scale and Intercultural Effectiveness Scale. Results: It has been determined that the midwives/nurses have the ability to communicate effectively and empathize. It was concluded that there is a positive, low and significant relationship between the ability to empathize and the ability to communicate. Key Words: Empathy, Intercultural Effectiveness, Midwife, Nurse