title: Empathy and the wounded healer: a mixed-method study of patients and doctors views on empathy.
abstract: Empathy is increasingly being recognized as a crucial component for an effective doctor-patient relationship. Using a mixed method approach, we surveyed 125 patients and 361 medical practitioners (doctors and medical students) views of the doctor-patient relationship. We qualitatively assessed patients' views of what constituted a good doctor and qualitatively measured empathy using a validated scale in medical practitioners. Patients desire a doctor that is both clinically proficient 66 (55%) and caring 32 (27%). Doctors who have a personal experience of illness have a statistically higher empathy score. These doctors may be well placed to help develop and foster empathy in our profession.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Brady
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Bambury
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: O'Reilly
mesh_terms: D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires