Objectives
To evaluate the impact of nonviolent communication (NVC) training on five aspects of
medical students' empathy skills using implicit and explicit measures.
Methods
312 third-year French medical students were
randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 123) or a control group (n =
189). The intervention group received 2.5 days of NVC training. For each group,
empathy-related skills were measured implicitly using three cognitive tests
(Visuo-Spatial Perspective Taking, Privileged Knowledge, Empathy for Pain
evaluation) and explicitly using two self-rating questionnaires (Jefferson Scale
of Physician Empathy, Empathy Quotient). Both groups completed tests and
questionnaires before (pre-test) and three months after training (post-test).
Responses were collected via online software, and data were analyzed using
paired linear mixed models and Bayes Factors.
Results
We found a significant increase in the
Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy
(JSPE) score between pre- and post-tests in the intervention group compared to
the control group (linear mixed models: 0.95 points [0.17, 1.73], t
(158)
=
2.39, p < 0.05), and an expected gender effect whereby females had higher
JSPE scores (1.57 points [0.72, 2.42], t
(262)
= -3.62, p <
0.001). There was no interaction between these two factors.
Conclusions
Our results show that brief training in
nonviolent communication improves subjective empathy three months after
training. These results are promising for the long-term effectiveness of NVC
training on medical students' empathy and call for the introduction of NVC
training in medical school. Further studies should investigate whether longer
training will produce larger and longer-lasting benefits.