Empathy in healthcare encounters for fibromyalgia.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The role of empathy in interactions between healthcare professionals and people with fibromyalgia.
IRAS ID
342770
Contact name
Charlotte Krahé
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool John Moores University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study investigates the impact of empathy from healthcare professionals (HCPs) on fibromyalgia patients. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a complex chronic pain condition that significantly impacts people’s lives and poses challenges for both patients and HCPs across many medical specialities. Despite the potential support HCPs can provide, FMS patients commonly report a lack of understanding and empathy from them, which may lead to psychological distress.
In the medical context, empathy has been associated with high-quality patient care, leading to better clinical outcomes and higher satisfaction. Particularly, therapeutic relationships involving empathy are related to lower perception of pain in FMS patients. However, it is unclear how this empathy is communicated during medical appointments and how it influences patient outcomes.
To address this, we will use a Q-methodology to explore the perspectives of both HCPs and FMS patients on how empathy is conveyed and perceived in healthcare settings. Participants will sort a set of 40 opinion statements related to clinical empathy (the ‘Q-set’) into different categories of a grid to best represent their point of view, a process called the ‘Q-sort’. The ranking depends upon the extent to which the participant agrees or disagrees with each statement. This mixed-methods approach aims to capture relevant information that may be missed in solely quantitative or qualitative studies (Brown, 1996). It will provide direct insights into the personal opinions of HCPs and patients, helping to identify which aspects of empathy lead to the greatest satisfaction and reduced distress during healthcare interactions.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0354
Date of REC Opinion
28 Nov 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion