How do newly-qualified doctors perceive empathy in medical trainingand practice?

Objective: Evidence exists of an apparent decline in empathy during medical training which may be detrimentalto patient care. This qualitative study explores the reflections of a group of newly-qualified foundation doctorswith regard to empathy in medical training and practice. Methods: Doctors in a UK Foundation TrainingProgramme were invited to reflect on the subject of empathy in medical training and practice. Researchersobtained consent to access their anonymous reflective statements and analyze for recurring themes usingframework analysis. Results: Coding of 65 trainees’ reflective statements resulted in identification of twothematic categories: (i) preparedness for empathic patient care and (ii) therapeutic effect of empathy.Conclusions: Trainees are aware of the value of empathy as a therapeutic tool. Many use it instinctively butnot systematically. Clinical pressures can impact negatively on empathic dealings with patients and relatives.Targeted educational interventions and positive role modeling may assist foundation doctors enhance theirskills in patient-centered care.