Student empathy in standardized patient experiences: Applying concepts from a critical thinking emulation model.

INTRODUCTION

Clinician empathy can improve patient outcomes, but the literature is scant on patient-based, student-led experiences to demonstrate the projection of empathy in patient interactions.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: (1) Develop a learning guide for observable behaviors communicating emotional and cognitive empathy and (2) determine whether the learning guide can be used as a rubric for assessing empathy in a standardized patient experience.

METHODS

Eleven standardized patients assessed 80 D3 students using a 4-point interval scale on 19 behavioral criteria in four domains: Initiation (four criteria); Health History and Caries Risk (four criteria); Treatment Planning (six criteria); and Communication Skills (five criteria). Standardized patients also provided qualitative feedback.

RESULTS

Standardized patients completed all 1520 interval scales on the rubric and 94% of 320 open-ended entries. Students performed well. Of the 1520 criterion interval scales, 1242 (81.7%) were rated "excellent." Wilcoxon signed-rank tests revealed Initiation scores (Mean [M] = 3.82, Standard deviation [SD] = 0.28) and Treatment Planning scores (M = 3.82, SD = 0.36) were significantly higher than Health History Scores (M = 3.75, SD = 0.34; p < 0.05). Qualitative feedback also was overwhelmingly positive for Treatment Planning and more equivocal for Health History.

CONCLUSIONS

The emulation model for students to demonstrate observable aspects of empathy is viable as both a learning guide and evaluation rubric in a standardized patient format. The next steps include the development of a succinct skillset for reinforcement in the patient setting and continued discussion on what best captures core observable aspects of empathy.