Empathy according to Jefferson scale in medical and nursing students in Venezuela

Abstract

Introduction: Empathy is important in the health professional-patient relationship. Some studies have found this has decreased during medical studies. 

Objective: To determine the degree of empathy in medical (MS) and nursing student (NS) at the Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado, Venezuela, according to gender, age, and clinical area level.

Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out on a stratified sample consisting of 50% of the students at middle and end of the medical and nursing degree. A total of 246 students were evaluated (71.1% MS and 28.9% NS). The students signed informed consents and answered the questionnaire items that included gender, age and the Spanish version of Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy.

Results: The mean score of MS was 120.3, with a score of 117.9 by NS score. There were no significant differences in scores according to career, among the career stages or age. Female students showed higher scores than their male counterparts (120.67 vs. 115.19, P = .02). 

Conclusions: Female students had higher empathy scores compared to males, and there were no significant differences according to career course, career stage, or age.