Empathy before entering practice: A qualitative study on drivers of empathy in healthcare professionals from the perspective of medical students

Abstract

<abstract> <p>Literature has shown that clinical empathy is important for good and effective patient care; however, research into the underlying precursors driving empathy is lacking. In this study, we aim to explore the motivating factors of empathy in healthcare professionals from the perspective of medical students. A grounded theory approach was employed to study the driving influences behind empathy in healthcare professionals. Focus Group Discussions comprising 21 English-speaking Year 4 medical students from Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine were conducted in August 2018. The results revealed four drivers of empathy and they are affective, cognitive, moral and individual valuation of empathy. A novel perspective on the motivation of empathy suggests that individual valuation of empathy plays a moderating role in both promoting and reducing empathetic behaviors. This proposes that effectiveness of empathetic behaviors founded upon genuine care might vary compared to those without it, which is consistent with current literature. We have shown that affective, cognitive and moral foundations of empathy are essential driving forces of empathy, with the valuation of empathy playing a major role in propelling empathetic behavior. In understanding the perceptions of empathy, interventions could work on accentuating the positive impacts of empathy in patient care, which might in turn, compel healthcare workers to display increased empathy for better patient care.</p> </abstract>