Does medical students personality have an impact on their intention to show empathic behavior?

Several studies have demonstrated a correlation between specific personal traits and empathy. However, it is not clear if persons with certain personality traits lack the intent to show empathic behavior or if other factors independent of their intent are affecting their empathic behavior. To answer this question, we asked 132 medical students to fill out questionnaires evaluating the General Intention to Show Empathic Behavior (GISEB) and the five personality traits measured by NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Additionally, we evaluated the influence of other factors, such as age, gender, curricular progress (second versus fourth year), and preferred specialization after graduation. We performed a Pearsons correlation and a regression analysis. Results indicate that the five personality traits and gender have little influence on the General Intention (GISEB), only extraversion (r=.221, 95% CI [.013.394], p=.027), and agreeableness (r=.229, 95% CI [.021.428], p=.022) correlated with the intention. The only predictor for General Intention (GISEB) was curricular progress (=.27, p<.05), showing a decrease of General Intention to Show Empathic Behavior from second to fourth year of university (U=1203.5, p=.002). A further finding indicates that gender and personality influence the students wish of specialization after graduation: Agreeableness (F(12, 53)=2.376, p=.016) impacted the preferred specialization. Our study demonstrated that medical students personality might not notably impact the intention to show empathic behavior. Further research is needed to investigate moderating effects.(VLID)360172

Wiener klinische Wochenschrift / Competency in medical history taking : the training physicians view

Background Because effective communication skills are crucial for every physician, this study evaluated students competence to take a sufficient medical history. This ability was measured via reports from the students supervising and training physicians. Methods A total of 24 physicians from several different departments were interviewed‚ and a stratification of medical specialties was performed due to the current supply-relevant number of medical doctors in the country. A qualitative content analysis was then performed. Results The analysis revealed the students lack of expertise and ability to take a structured and complete medical history. Additionally, the lack of students engagement was criticized by the training physicians. An insufficiency of student supervision was also shown as only half of the departments have a fixed supervisor for the students during the internship. Conclusion The data showed the need for a refinement of the training of communicative skills at university and the practical training at hospitals.(VLID)362079