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An evaluation of patient empathy within the Allied Health Profession in an acute hospital using the Consultation and Relational Empathy Measure

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 November 2016

M. Martin
Affiliation:
Ulster University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, UK.
F. Dunlevy
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Nutrition, St. James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8, Ireland.
N. Murphy
Affiliation:
Physiotherapy Department, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
P. Shanahan
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Nutrition, St. James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
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Abstract

Type
Abstract
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2016 

Empathy is thought to be a fundamental component of all therapeutic relationships(Reference Mercer and Reynolds1) and a key element in patients’ definition of quality of care(Reference Mercer, McConnachie, Maxwell, Heaney and Watt2). The Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) measure is a type of patient-rating empathy measure, where patients assess their carer's empathy after clinical consultation(Reference Mercer, McConnachie, Maxwell, Heaney and Watt2). The CARE measure is a ten statement questionnaire which is answered by patients using a five-point scale from poor to excellent(Reference Alnomen3). The maximum CARE score attainable is 50. The aim of this study is to assess the level of empathy of the Allied Health Professionals (AHP) in St James's Hospital as perceived by patients using the validated CARE measure.

To date 197 subjects were recruited from Dietetic outpatient clinics and 100 subjects from Physiotherapy outpatient clinics. Greater than 50 subjects provides the most reliable and representative picture of patients’ perception(Reference Mercer4). Surveys were distributed directly after consultations. To avoid bias, questionnaires were completed by the patients themselves or with the assistance of the student researcher if needed. Data was inputted on the CARE website, which calculated CARE scores. CARE scores were analysed per profession, medical speciality and individual therapists.

Table 1. Overall results for the Allied Health Professions in St James's Hospital

The Results show excellent empathy, as the CARE scores for Physiotherapy and Dietetics are above average with a range between the 50th–75th percentiles and the 75th–90th percentiles. The CARE scores can identify if AHP's would benefit from further training in cognitive behavioural therapy or patient empathy. The results highlight the exceptional responsiveness and empathy shown by Dietetics and Physiotherapy staff and enhance the AHP-patient relationship whilst improving patient enablement.

References

1.Mercer, S, Reynolds, W.J. 2002. “Empathy and quality of care.” British Journal of General Practice, 52, S9–S12·2.Google Scholar
2.Mercer, S., McConnachie, A., Maxwell, M., Heaney, D., & Watt, G. C. M. 2005. “Relevance and practical use of the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) Measure in general practice.” Family practice, 22, 328334·3.10.1093/fampra/cmh730Google Scholar
3.Alnomen, NNH. “A study of the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) Measure for medical students.” University of Dundee. 2014. 4.Google Scholar
4.Mercer, S. “CARE Measure Website.” Available: http://www.caremeasure.org/about.php. Last accessed 16/03/16Google Scholar
Figure 0

Table 1. Overall results for the Allied Health Professions in St James's Hospital