Training in empathic skills improves the patient-physician relationship during the first consultation in a fertility clinic

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of physician training in empathic skills on patients' satisfaction just after their first consultation in a private fertility clinic setting.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Private fertility clinic.

Patient(s): Thirteen physicians were evaluated by 2,146 patients.

Intervention(s): The empathic training of physicians was centered on emotional intelligence, communication elements, social styles and empathy, and practical workshops. After their first consultation with the physician, patients answered a self-rating questionnaire comprising five scales: information provided, dynamic of the visit, time dedicated, patient-physician interaction, and expertise.

Main outcome measure(s): Patients' satisfaction scores after the empathic training of physicians.

Result(s): For all five scales, the empathic training resulted in a significant change of the global scoring distribution with a shift toward higher scores. The intervention also resulted in a lower likelihood of low scoring (in the lower quartile) for all the items.

Conclusion(s): Training in empathic skills of physicians resulted in higher patient satisfaction levels on the perceived information quality, communication skills, and time dedicated at first consultation for fertility treatment.