The present study attempted to develop new scales of patient-perceived, empathy-related constructs and to test a model of the relationships of physician empathy and related constructs to patient satisfaction and compliance. Five hundred fifty outpatients at a large university hospital in Korea were interviewed with the questionnaire. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Patient-perceived physician empathy significantly influenced patient satisfaction and compliance via the mediating factors of information exchange, perceived expertise, inter-personal trust, and partnership. Improving physician empathic communication skills should increase patient satisfaction and compliance. Health providers who wish to improve patient satisfaction and compliance should first identify components of their empathic communication needing improvement and then try to refine their skills to better serve patients.

Calf muscle pump function and dynamic calf muscle strength were improved after a 6-month program of structured exercise. Directed physical conditioning of the calf musculature may prove beneficial for patients with or without alternative management options for severe CVI. Further research on exercise for patients with CVI is warranted.

Imagery is a clinically feasible, cost-effective complement to therapy that may improve outcomes more than participation in therapy only.

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