Introduction

Rationale and objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

References

Abstract

Introduction: Pharmacy education standards include a focus on interprofessional education and communication skills, specifically naming conflict management and patient-centered communication as key areas. This study aimed to explore the association between conflict management style and attitudes toward empathy among first year pharmacy students (P1s) in professional encounters.
Methods: A cross-sectional design was implemented among two cohorts of P1s who completed an online survey including the Thomas–Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument professional version (TKCI-P) and the Kiersma–Chen Empathy Scale (KCES).
Results: Those scoring higher on the competing mode reported significantly lower attitudes toward empathy (p < 0.05). Those scoring higher on the accommodating mode reported significantly higher attitudes toward empathy (p < 0.05). Some student characteristics, including gender and race, were significantly associated with KCES score and/or TKCI-P mode.
Conclusions: These results suggest that awareness and training in empathy and conflict management should be incorporated in curricular content to support the likelihood of future pharmacists to be effective in their future patient and interprofessional interactions.

Introduction

The Center for the Advancement of Pharmacy Education (CAPE) Educational Outcomes 20131 and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) 2016 Accreditation Standards,2 incorporate a focus on patient-centered and interprofessional communication for pharmacy students. The ACPE Interprofessional Education Standard includes a communication skills component that outlines patient-centered communication and conflict management as key skill areas needed to be prepared for future practice contexts that include advanced care services and interprofessional care teams.2,3 Within patient-centered communication, empathy is an essential component in building trust and relationships between patients and providers.4,5 While empathy is an ambiguous concept that has multiple recognized definitions, a generally accepted definition is the ability to see the world as others see it, understand another’s current feelings, be non-judgmental, and communicate understanding.6–۱۰ Empathy results in stronger patient–provider relationships and has been shown to significantly improve adherence to recommendations,11–۱۵ patient satisfaction,16,17 and clinical outcomes.18 Empathic communication has also led to more accurate diagnosis,19,20 fewer medical errors,21 and greater provider well-being.