Assessment of Empathy among Dental Students Using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy

Abstract

Introduction: Empathy is the ability to understand patients’ ability and experiences and capability to communicate this understanding. Empathy plays important role in maintaining the relationship between patient and clinician. The aim of the study is assessment of empathy among dental students at a tertiary hospital in Nepal using Jefferson scale of physician empathy questionnaire.

Materials and Methods: This questionnaire based study was conducted among undergraduate students at Universal college of Medical Sciences (UCMS), College of Dental Surgery, Bhairahawa, Nepal. Data was collected from third year, fourth year students and interns who were exposed to clinical postings. Empathy was assessed by the Jefferson Scale of Empathy, a 20 item self-reporting questionnaire.

Results: Empathy scale scores for subjects of different years of education showed statistically significant difference.

Conclusion: Jefferson scale questionnaire is a selfadministered and self-perceived inventory which reports empathy level among the interns was higher than other dental undergraduates.