Physicians’ Self-Assessed Empathy and Patients’ Perceptions of Physicians’ Empathy: Validation of the Greek Jefferson Scale of Patient Perception of Physician Empathy

Abstract

Aims. This study aims to (i) translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Jefferson Scale of Patient Perception of Physician Empathy questionnaire for the Greek population (Gr-JSPPPE) and (ii) estimate physicians’ self-assessed empathy and patients’ perceptions of physicians’ empathy, investigate their relationship, and assess their predictors. Methods. A total of 189 patients and 17 physicians from an internal medicine clinic took part in the study. A composite questionnaire was administered to the patients, consisting of (1) sociodemographic items, (2) hospitalization-related questions, (3) the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, (4) the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), (5) the EQ-5D-5L Questionnaire, (6) the Gr-JSPPPE, and (7) the Visual Analog Scale for pain. The physicians’ composite questionnaire comprised (1) sociodemographic items, (2) the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, and (3) the Toronto Composite Empathy Scale (TCES). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to assess the psychometric properties of the Gr-JS PPPE. Univariate comparisons were performed between (a) empathy measures and (b) sociodemographic and health-related measures of both groups; multivariate regression analysis for the Gr-JSPPPE adjusting for baseline confounders was executed. Results. Statistically significant negative correlations were found between the Gr-JSPPPE mean score and the TCES personal/cognitive, professional/cognitive, and professional/emotional subscales. Female sex, being married, duration of employment in current post, and physicians’ EQ-5D index score emerged as important predictors of increased physician empathy. Patients’ EQ-VAS “thermometer” scale was significantly associated with the Gr-JSPPPE total score at the multivariate level. Conclusion. The Gr-JSPPPE is a psychometrically sound tool to assess patient perceptions of physician empathy. Physician empathy assessed by the self-reported scale is inversely associated with patient perceptions.

Predictors of Physician Compassion, Empathy, and Related Constructs: a Systematic Review

“…Second to professional characteristics, a high proportion of mostly quantitative studies examined socio-demographic factors. Female gender was associated with higher ECRC in numerous studies 41 , 43 , 45 , 47 , 49 , 52 , 55 , 58 , 61 , 64 , 81 – 83 , 92 , 94 , 95 , 99 , 101 , 103 , 108 , 113 – 117 but a comparable number showed no gender effect 39 , 48 , 50 , 51 , 54 , 60 , 72 , 74 , 76 – 80 , 84 , 86 , 96 , 105 , 106 , 116 , 118 – 121 ; three studies reported males as more compassionate 53 , 111 , 112 . Evidence regarding age was similarly conflicted 39 – 41 , 43 , 47 , 49 – 51 , 54 , 55 , 58 , 60 , 72 , 77 , 80 , 82 , 84 , 86 , 95 , 99 , 106 ...…”

“…Finally, a small number of predominantly qualitative studies showed spirituality 89 , 136 , meaning 136 , and religiosity 137 to predict greater ECRC, although there was no effect of religion 39 . The evidence regarding factors such as living situation 39 , 42 , 72 , 82 , upbringing 98 , 113 , 131 , siblings 64 , 76 , having children 39 , 41 , 49 , 64 , 77 , 111 – 113 , 138 , 139 , the number of children 72 , 82 , 84 , 140 , and marital status 43 , 47 , 49 , 50 , 63 , 64 , 72 , 76 , 77 , 83 , 84 , 86 was conflicted and, hence, inconclusive.…”

Rehearsal simulation for antenatal consults

“…Future studies can explore the efficacy of various elements of rehearsal simulations objectively using standardized empathy and communication assessment tools and parental feedback, [40][41][42] and can be expanded beyond the NICU context. Using standardized patients trained in displaying realistic emotional reactions instead of NICU colleagues known to the trainee would add realism to the simulation, which was a limitation in our study.…”

Patient Perceived Involvement in Their Treatment is Influenced by Factors Other Than Independently Rated Clinician Communication Effectiveness

“…First, only 3 male surgeons with clinical experience as a specialist of 1.5 to 6 years participated in this study, which may limit generalizability. Studies show that women clinicians are more participatory in terms of empathy and information sharing (33,34). It can also be argued that more experienced clinicians might be better at reading patient signals, using strategies to increase patient participation, and detecting signals from the patient that they have not understood the information.…”