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Characteristics associated with empathic behavior in Japanese oncologists
Kyoko Kondo1, Maiko Fujimori, Yuki Shirai
1Psycho-Oncology Division, Research Center for Innovative Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan; Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.
Patient Education and Counseling
|July 31, 2013
Summary
Younger oncologists demonstrate more empathy when communicating difficult news to patients with advanced cancer. This finding is crucial for developing targeted communication training programs for medical professionals.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Communication
- Psychology
Background:
- Empathic communication is vital when oncologists deliver bad news to patients with incurable advanced cancer.
- Individual characteristics influence the level of empathy displayed by oncologists.
- Understanding these characteristics is key to improving patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between individual characteristics and empathic behavior in Japanese oncologists.
- To identify factors influencing empathy during breaking bad news consultations.
Main Methods:
- Videotaped consultations between oncologists and simulated patients delivering news of incurable advanced cancer.
- Systematic coding of oncologists' empathic behaviors.
- Regression analysis to assess correlations with age, sex, and specialism.
Main Results:
- Sixty oncologists participated in the study.
- Multivariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between age and empathy scores (r=0.406, p=0.033).
- Younger oncologists exhibited higher empathy scores compared to older oncologists.
Conclusions:
- Empathic behaviors were observed more frequently in younger oncologists.
- Findings can inform the design of effective empathy and communication training for experienced oncologists.
- This research supports the development of better communication strategies in Japanese medical institutions.
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