A Randomized Prospective Study on Outcomes of an Empathy Intervention among Second-year Student Pharmacists |
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Authors: | Kajua B Lor Julie T Truong Eric J Ip Mitchell J Barnett |
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Affiliation: | a Touro University California College of Pharmacy, Vallejo, California;b Keck Graduate Institute School of Pharmacy, Claremont, California |
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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).Conclusion. Empathy scores increased but were not sustained in the long-term with a 3-day empathy intervention. |
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Keywords: | empathy empathy training pharmacy students pharmacy education |
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