Empathy level differences between Polish surgeons and physicians

The aim of this study was to assess the levels of empathy among Polish physicians and surgeons.

Ninety-two physicians took part in the study. The physicians were either employed in hospitals, outpatient clinics or university departments in Krakow. The participants were asked to fill out a personal questionnaire, the Emotional Empathy Scale (EES), as well as describe four chosen tables from the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT).

The study group consisted of 92 physicians, including 25 women (27.2%) and 67 men, in the mean age of 42 ± 16.3 years (age span: 27-68 years). The physicians have been divided into two subgroups - non-surgical specialists (52 people - 56.5%) and surgical specialists (40 people - 43.5%). There were no gender differences, as to the level of empathy, in the study group (p >0.05). Non-surgical specialists displayed a higher level of empathy (p=0.03) than their surgical counterparts. There was a positive correlation between age and the level of empathy. This was seen both among non-surgical (r = 0.41; p < 0.0001) and surgical specialists (r = 0.59; p < 0.0001). No correlation was seen between the number of years of experience working as a doctor and the level of empathy (p > 0.05).

Empathy is an essential element in the physician-patient relationship. This study has shown that non-surgical specialists display a higher level of empathy. We have also shown that years of experience working as a doctor do not influence the level of empathy, while age is a beneficial factor.