The Ebbs and Flows of Empathy: a qualitative study of surgical trainees in the UK

Abstract

Abstract Background Empathy is widely recognised as an important element of medical practice contributing to patient outcomes and satisfaction. However, there is evidence to suggest that empathy declines over time, particularly in surgical specialities. There is little qualitative research on this decline in surgical trainees, particularly in the UK, so the aim of this study was to explore how trainee surgeons experience empathy over time in their practice and how they perceive it in others. Methods 10 semi-structured interviews were carried out with surgical trainees of different grades and specialties in January and February 2022. Framework analysis was used to interpret the data. Results Participants experienced an evolution in empathy over time as their personal and professional experience was added to. They drew a distinction between desensitisation and actual decline in empathy and identified more with experiencing the former in their careers. Participants also felt interprofessional relationships require empathy, and this could be improved upon. Finally, they highlighted specific impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic upon their training, including reduced theatre time. Conclusions Participants felt training could be improved up in regard to accessing training opportunities and relationships with colleagues, although many felt empathy between colleagues is better than it has been in the past. Findings indicate that policy reform for standardisation of training with stakeholder consultation may be beneficial in improving training and relationships between colleagues.