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Do patient attributes predict oncologist empathic responses and patient perceptions of empathy?

Pollak KI, Arnold R, Alexander SC, Jeffreys AS, Olsen MK, Abernethy AP, Rodriguez KL, Tulsky JA. Do patient attributes predict oncologist empathic responses and patient perceptions of empathy? Supportive Care in Cancer : Official Journal of The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer. 2010 Nov 1; 18(11):1405-11.

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Abstract:

Oncologists, in general, did not respond empathically to patient's negative emotion, and did this equally for most patients. Oncologists responded more empathically to patients who were less economically advantaged. In turn, patients with lower economic security perceived more empathy. Although oncologists need more education in responding empathically, they may not need to correct many biases in care.




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