Perception of empathy in the therapeutic encounter: Effects on the common cold

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effects of patient-practitioner interaction on the severity and duration of the common cold. Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial of 719 patients with new cold onset. Participants were randomized to three groups: no patient-practitioner interaction, “standard” interaction or an “enhanced” interaction. Cold severity was assessed twice daily. Patients randomized to practitioner visits used the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) measure to rate clinician empathy. Interleukin 8 (IL-8) and neutrophil counts were obtained from nasal wash at baseline and 48 hours later. Results Patients’ perceptions of the clinical encounter were associated with reduced cold severity and duration. Encounters rated perfect on the CARE score had reduced severity (Perfect: 223, sub-perfect: 271, p=0.04) and duration (Perfect: 5.89 days, sub-perfect: 7.00 days, p=0.003). CARE scores were also associated with a more significant change in IL-8 (Perfect: mean IL-8 change 1586, sub-perfect: 72, p=0.02) and neutrophil count (Perfect: 49, sub-perfect: 12, p=0.09). Conclusions When patients perceive clinicians as empathetic, rating them perfect on the CARE tool, the severity, duration and objective measures (IL-8 and neutrophils) of the common cold significantly change. Practice Implications This study helps us understand the importance of the perception of empathy in a therapeutic encounter.

How to Integrate the Electronic Health Record and Patient-Centered Communication Into the Medical Visit: A Skills-Based Approach

“…tient satisfaction and adherence 65 and to have an intrinsic therapeutic effect. 66 The EHR has been shown to negatively affect these emotional components of the medical interview. In one study, screen gaze was inversely related to gathering of psychosocial information and inhibited full patient disclosure of sensitive information.…”

The Impact of Trust, Interaction, and Empathy in Doctor-Patient Relationship on Patient Satisfaction

“…Empathy can manifest as behaviors in interpersonal interactions and can be perceived by patients [14,15], Empathic communication behaviors by clinicians have been associated with higher patient satisfaction [16][17][18], compassion and empathy are themes that have been talked about often over the last few years within the health environment [19] is a central aspect of healthcare, and has been associated with positive outcomes not only for the patient [20][21][22].…”

Relationships between nurses’ empathy, self-compassion and dimensions of professional quality of life: A cross-sectional study

“…4 Introduction Empathy is a central aspect of healthcare, and has been associated with positive outcomes not only for the patient (e.g., Rakel et al, 2011;Hojat, Louis, & Markham, 2011;Blatt, LeLacheur, Galinsky, Simmens, & Greenberg, 2010) but also for the healthcare professional (Thomas et al, 2007;Shanafel et al, 2005).…”