Title: Long-term effects of empathy training in surgery residents: a one year follow-up study
DOI or Website Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.5750/ejpch.v1i2.666
Publication: EUROPEAN JOURNAL FOR PERSON CENTERED HEALTHCARE
Authors: Phillips, M, Lorié, Á, Kelley JM, Gray ST, Riess H.
Date: 2013
Affiliation(s):
Citation: Phillips, M, Lorié, Á, Kelley JM, Gray ST, Riess H. Long-term effects of empathy training in surgery residents: a one year follow-up study. European Journal of Person Centered Healthcare, 2013; 1 (2) 326-332.
Abstract:
Objectives: This study is a 1-year follow-up investigation of the retention of the knowledge, attitudes and skills acquired after empathy training.
Methods: Eight otolaryngology residents completed 5 assessment measures before and after empathy training and at 1-year. They attended a 90-minute focus group assessing clinical usefulness of the training, attitudes and factors that affect empathy.
Results: Qualitative analysis revealed a positive response to the training and application of skills to clinical practices. Quantitative analyses suggest improvement in empathy after training was maintained at 1-year follow-up (p = 0.05). Knowledge of the neurobiology and physiology of empathy remained significantly greater than before the training (p = 0.007).
Conclusions: Qualitative data indicate that the training program was well-received and helpful and follow-up focus groups provided physicians with opportunities for self-reflection and support from peers. Quantitative analysis demonstrated that improvement in self-reported empathy and objective knowledge of the neurobiology of emotions persist at 1-year follow-up. Accordingly, we recommend that empathy training and follow-up booster sessions become a standard component of residency training.
Topic Area:
(In which field / sector / perspective was this study conducted?)
(How was empathy defined?)
(Were any benefits of empathy mentioned?)
(What were the methods used to train empathy?)
(Who participated in this study / training?)
(About the assessment: How was the change in empathy measured before/after the intervention/method?)
Result:
(What was the result?)
Posted By:
Notes:
(Any other relevant information)
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