Development and Psychometric Validation of the Empathy Fatigue Scale ( <scp>EFS</scp> ‐ <scp>HP</scp> ) for Healthcare Professionals in Critical Care Settings

The EFS-HP is a valuable tool for identifying and managing empathy fatigue specifically among critical care nurses, who form the emotional backbone of intensive care environments. Given their continuous exposure to life-and-death situations, rapid decision-making and patient/family distress, critical care nurses are especially vulnerable to empathy fatigue. The integration of the EFS-HP into clinical practice facilitates the early identification of emotional strain, thereby enabling the implementation of timely, nurse-focused interventions. These interventions have been shown to promote emotional resilience, reduce staff turnover and enhance the overall quality of patient care. Furthermore, the scale's emphasis on the distinctive stressors encountered by nurses in critical care is congruent with the strategic priorities of high-acuity healthcare institutions.