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Long-term effects of empathy training in surgery residents: a one year follow-up study

Margot Phillips, Aine Lorie, John Kelley, Stacy Gray, Helen Riess

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.

Keywords


Burnout, communication skills, emotional engagement, emotional wellbeing, empathy, empathy training, idealism, improved clinical outcomes, long term effects, patient satisfaction, person-centered medicine, professionalism, sociocultural barriers, surgery

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5750/ejpch.v1i2.666

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