Can communication skills training improve empathy? A six-year longitudinal study of medical students in Japan.

Publication/Presentation Date

2-1-2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Empathy is an important component of overall clinical competence; thus, enhancing empathy in medical education is essential for quality patient care.

AIM: This longitudinal study was designed to address the following questions: 1. Can a targeted educational program in communication skills training enhance empathy in medical students? and 2. Can such a program have a sustained effect?

METHODS: Study participants included 116 students who entered Okayama University Medical School in 2011. Students participated in a communication skills training program aimed to enhance their empathy, and completed the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) five times: at the beginning of medical school, prior to participation in the program, immediately after the program, and in last years of medical school. A total of 69 students, representing 59% of the cohort, completed the JSE in all five test administrations.

RESULTS: Students' total scores on the JSE and its two factors (Perspective Taking and Compassionate Care) increased significantly (p <  0.001) after participation in the communication skills training program. However, the program did not have a sustained effect.

CONCLUSIONS: Targeted educational programs to enhance empathy in medical students can have a significant effect; however, additional reinforcements may be needed for a sustained effect.

Volume

41

Issue

2

First Page

195

Last Page

200

ISSN

1466-187X

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

29683011

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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