Development of the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy-Student Version (Thai Version)

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Objectives: To examine psychometric properties of a Thai translation of the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSPE) for medical students, and to study differences in empathy scores between men and women, and students in different levels of medical education.
Method: The JSPE (S-version) was translated into Thai language using back-translation procedures and administered to 708 Thai medical students from all six years at the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. Item-total correlations and factor analysis were used to examine the underlying factors of the JSPE (Thai language). Cronbach alpha coefficient was calculated to determine the internal consistency which is an aspect of the reliability of the instrument. Moreover, Empathy scores for men and women were compared by using t-test, and score differences by year of medical school were examined using analysis of variance.
Results: Mean empathy score of the Thai medical student samples is 111.31 (SD=10.41). Item-total correlations ranged from 0.26 to 0.57. Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.76. Factor analysis confirmed the three major components which are “compassionate care”, “perspective taking” and “ability to stand in patients’ shoes”. Women scored higher than men, and pre-clinic students outscored clinic students in this cross-sectional study.
Conclusion: The Thai translation of the JSPE for medical students has good construct validity and reliability. It has good psychometric properties. We discussed cultural characteristics and educational differences in Thai medical schools that may influence empathic behavior.