Assessment of empathy among medical students in a teaching hospital, Pokhara, Nepal

Abstract

Background
Empathy is the ability to understand patients’ ability and experiences and capability to communicate this understanding. Empathy plays important role in maintaining the relationship between patient and doctor. Therefore the aim of the study is the assessment of empathy among Nepalese medical students using Jefferson scale of physician empathy questionnaire.

Methods
This questionnaire based study was conducted among undergraduate students in Gandaki Medical College, Pokhara, Nepal. Data were collected from 4th year, 5th year students and interns who were exposed to clinical postings. Empathy was assessed by the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE), a 20item self-reporting questionnaire.

Results
Females had a slightly higher empathy score than males. Empathy scale scores for subjects of different years of education showed non statistically significant difference.

Conclusion
Empathy can be increased in the students by effective interaction between emotional and behavioural factors. Empathy related cultural awareness, ethics and discussions should be adopted among medical students to promote its development.