Can Clinical Empathy Be Communicated by Text Message? A Case Report

Abstract

This case report examines a text message communication between a pediatric primary care provider and the mother of a medically complex child for indicators of clinical empathy. First, some clinical background information is provided; second, indicators of clinical empathy are evaluated using a validated instrument; and third, some benefits, limitations, and future directions informed by the case are discussed.

Keywords: communication; empathy; primary care; relationship; telemedicine; text message.