Patient and Practitioner Perspectives on the Definition and Measurement of Therapeutic Empathy: Qualitative Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Most definitions of therapeutic empathy are based on practitioners' perspectives, and few account for patients' views. Therefore, we do not understand what therapeutic empathy means to patients. Given that therapeutic empathy involves a relationship between patients and practitioners, the underrepresentation of the patient voice threatens to undermine the validity of therapeutic empathy definitions and subsequently, how the concept is measured, taught, and practiced.

Objective

The aim of the study is to explore the perspectives of patients and practitioners on the definition of therapeutic empathy and how it should therefore be measured.

Methods

A qualitative study, underpinned by a social constructivist stance, was conducted. Patients and practitioners wer

SUBMITTER: Bennett-Weston A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12313346 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature