Project based learning approach to increase medical student empathy
ABSTRACT This study investigated the impact of empathy training on medical students using a project based learning approach on the development of their empathic abilities. Study participants were Year 2 students in the six year medical program, to whom a one credit hour course on empathic communication was offered over a semester. In this course, students worked on collaborative team projects in which they were asked to interview a person and to report the empathy that they shared with the interviewee. Development in student empathy was measured using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index inventory in a pre and post test format over the semester and their reflective reports were qualitatively analyzed to identify emerging themes on the lessons they learned from the project experience. A total of 45 students completed the questionnaires (a 97.8% response rate) Students' overall empathy scores did not change over time (t 1.943, p .06) Still, students with lower empathy in the pre test improved significantly in their empathy scores (t 3.44, p .01) Students reported that the empathy project was beneficial in improving their understanding of empathy and enhancing their empathic communication skills. This study shows the project based learning approach was effective in developing medical student empathy especially for those with lower empathy.
Medical education online