Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy – JSPE

An important component of the relationship with my patients is my understanding of the emotional status of the patients and their families.

I try to understand what is going on in my patients’ minds by paying attention to their nonverbal cues and body language.

I believe that empathy is an important therapeutic factor in medical treatment.

Empathy is a therapeutic skill without which my success as a physician would be limited.

My understanding of my patients’ feelings gives them a sense of validation that is therapeutic in its own right.

My patients feel better when I understand their feelings.

I consider understanding my patients’ body language as important as verbal communication in physician-patient relationships.

I try to imagine myself in my patients’ shoes when providing care to them.

I have a good sense of humor, which I think contributes to a better clinical outcome.

I try to think like my patients in order to render better care.

Patients’ illnesses can be cured only by medical treatment; therefore, affectional ties to my patients cannot have a significant place in this endeavor.

Attentiveness to my patients’ personal experiences is irrelevant to treatment effectiveness.

I try not to pay attention to my patients’ emotions in interviewing and history taking.

I believe that emotion has no place in the treatment of medical illness.

I do not allow myself to be touched by intense emotional relationships among my patients and their family members.

My understanding of how my patients and their families feel is an irrelevant factor in medical treatment.

I do not enjoy reading nonmedical literature or experiencing the arts.

I consider asking patients about what is happening in their lives an unimportant factor in understanding their physical complaints.

It is difficult for me to view things from my patients’ perspectives.

Because people are different, it is almost impossible for me to see things from my patients’ perspectives.