This study involved almost 1500 patients living with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and not surprisingly they found that… “…physician empathy was strongly associated with satisfaction among patients with CLBP… and was associated with better outcomes over 12 months.” – Licciardone et al 2024
So the question asked in this study is that, considering the potential value of empathy in patient care, should it not be part of all medical programs?
“Medical students and residents often become less empathic during education and training, owing to a greater perceived need for patient detachment and reliance on technology.” – Licciardone et al 2024
So how can we measure our level of patient empathy? The Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) is a questionnaire that is completed by both the healthcare provider and the patient. The CARE Measure has been shown to have good reliability and validity and is used to measure the degree of perceived empathy offered by the healthcare provider.
I strongly suggest that you start using the CARE Measure to evaluate how well you are doing. I have in the past given the CARE Measure to the front desk staff and have asked them to hand it out to patients at the end of their appointments. I tell them to make sure that they tell the patient that the questionnaire is completely anonymous.
Sometimes we may think we’ve do
ne such an amazing job with a patient, yet they end up not actually being impressed by us. Other times I’ve sensed that I’ve not at all connected with a patient and they end up giving me an excellent evaluation.
If you don’t measure it, you’ll never know.
I have simply made some printed copies of the CARE Measure and use it just to make sure I am on track and not slacking off on my patient empathy. If my empathy score should ever drop, it will mean that I need a break from seeing patients.