Empathy school: can doctors be taught to care?
NCT ID NCT03887195
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a special training program for 4th-year medical students could help them maintain or improve their empathy and emotional intelligence. Over 400 students took part in lectures, group discussions, role-plays, and exams with actors. Researchers measured changes in empathy and emotional expression before and after the training.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
doctor-patient relationship training program (lectures, Balint groups, role-plays, OSCEs)
What this could lead to
If successful, this training could help future doctors communicate better with patients and maintain empathy throughout their careers.
What could go wrong
This is a single-center study with self-reported measures, so results may not apply to all medical schools. The training is mandatory, so improvements might be due to practice effects rather than the program itself.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris City, Faculty of Medicine
Paris, 75014, France