title: A randomized prospective study on outcomes of an empathy intervention among second-year student pharmacists.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the impact of a single, 3-day intervention on empathy levels as measured by the validated Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Profession Students version (JSE-HPS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty second-year student pharmacists were recruited to participate in a non-blinded prospective study. Subjects were randomized to an intervention group (n=20) or control group (n=20) and completed the JSE-HPS at baseline, 7 days postintervention, and 90 days postintervention. The intervention group consisted of a 3-day simulation, each day including a designated activity with loss of dominant hand usage, vision, and speech.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 3-day simulation increased empathy levels in the intervention group compared to the control group 7 days postintervention (p=0.035). However, there were no effects on empathy levels 90 days postintervention (p=0.38).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Empathy scores increased but were not sustained in the long-term with a 3-day empathy intervention.
authors: Touro University California College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, California.
authors: Kajua B
authors: KB
authors: Lor
authors: Keck Graduate Institute School of Pharmacy, Claremont, California.
authors: Julie T
authors: JT
authors: Truong
authors: Touro University California College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, California.
authors: Eric J
authors: EJ
authors: Ip
authors: Touro University California College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, California.
authors: Mitchell J
authors: MJ
authors: Barnett
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003479:Curriculum; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013339:Students, Pharmacy / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: empathy; empathy training; pharmacy education; pharmacy students