The current state of empathy, compassion and person-centred communication training in healthcare: An umbrella review

Objectives: This umbrella review consolidates evidence available on empathy training, its effectiveness and design mechanisms that contribute to effectiveness. Methods: We conducted an umbrella review (review of reviews) of empathy, compassion and person-centred communication training in healthcare published between 2018 and 2022. One reviewer screened titles, abstracts and full-text articles, with a second reviewer at full-text stage. Quality appraisal was done in duplicate. Data extraction was piloted by two reviewers and conducted by one reviewer with a quality check of all extracted data. All reviewers provided input into synthesis of results and analysis. Results: Twenty-five reviews were included. We provide an overview of the definitions of empathy, compassion and person-centred communication, outcome measures used, a synthesis of findings on the mechanisms and effectiveness of training and a summary of review recommendations. Conclusions: For policy and practice, we advise the inclusion of empathic communication into the curriculum; longitudinal and sequenced learning; debriefing, targeted feedback, enabling self-reflection, deliberate practice, experiential learning; improving motivation by teaching the benefits of empathy and teaching sustainable empathy. Future research should involve patients in training and research and study the effect of targeting interventions at healthcare practitioners and patients.