Medical students' understanding of clinical empathy - a qualitative exploratory interview study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Clinical Psychology
• Patient-Physician Communication

Background:

• Empathy is crucial for patient-physician interaction and outcomes.
• Current definitions of clinical empathy are abstract and lack consensus.
• Understanding medical students' conceptualization of empathy is needed for effective teaching and assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore German medical students' views and understanding of clinical empathy.
• To identify key themes in students' conceptualizations of empathy.
• To inform the development of clearer definitions and teaching methods for clinical empathy.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 German medical students.
• Interview participants were in the latter half of their 3rd year or final clinical year.
• Transcripts were analyzed using thematic synthesis (Braun & Clarke).

Main Results:

• Three overarching themes emerged: understanding and acting on patient needs, empathy as an interpersonal construct, and the importance of taking time with patients.
• Subthemes included showing interest, impartiality, openness, taking patients seriously, respect, holistic patient view, and developing closeness.
• Students' definitions align with existing literature and educational concepts.

Conclusions:

• German medical students possess a practical understanding of clinical empathy.
• Their conceptualizations align with established definitions, suggesting a foundation for teaching and assessment.
• Further research should compare international student perspectives and track empathy concept evolution throughout medical training.