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Empathy levels of occupational therapy students
Summary
Health professionals need empathy to understand patients. While a clinical practicum did not significantly change empathy scores, a group process course may have improved student empathy levels.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Psychology
- Healthcare Professions
Background:
- Empathy is crucial for effective patient care and understanding patient perspectives.
- Assessing empathy development in health science students is important for professional training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a Level I clinical practicum on the empathy levels of health science students.
- To explore the potential of a group process course in enhancing empathy among students.
Main Methods:
- The study involved health science juniors at Ohio State University.
- Empathy scores were measured before and after a Level I clinical practicum.
- A group process course component was integrated to assess its effect on empathy.
Main Results:
- The Level I clinical practicum did not yield the expected increase in empathy scores.
- Preliminary findings suggest a group process course may positively influence empathy development.
Conclusions:
- Standard clinical practicums may not be sufficient for enhancing student empathy.
- Curricula incorporating group process elements could be beneficial for cultivating empathy in future health professionals.