Authors: Stosic M.D. et al.
A & A Practice, September 2025. DOI: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000002045
This study explored how anesthesiologists conceptualize empathy in clinical practice, a topic rarely examined within the specialty despite the crucial role of patient–anesthesiologist communication during short but emotionally charged interactions. Empathy has been shown to reduce preoperative anxiety and improve outcomes, but what behaviors anesthesiologists themselves define as empathic has remained unclear.
The researchers recruited 99 practicing anesthesiologists online to rate 49 physician behaviors on a 0–10 scale based on how closely each behavior reflected their personal understanding of clinical empathy. Factor analysis revealed three core dimensions of empathic behavior: (1) Conscientious and Reassuring, (2) Relationship Oriented, and (3) Emotionally Involved.
Anesthesiologists most strongly associated empathy with relationship-oriented behaviors—those involving attentiveness, rapport-building, and personalized communication—consistent with findings from other physician specialties. Conscientious and Reassuring behaviors, such as efficiency and procedural competence, were rated lowest in empathy alignment. Gender differences emerged: male anesthesiologists tended to rate conscientious and reassuring actions as more empathic, while female anesthesiologists were significantly more likely to associate empathy with emotional involvement, such as acknowledging patient fear and demonstrating warmth.
The authors conclude that anesthesiologists’ views of empathy mirror those of other medical disciplines, emphasizing relational over technical aspects of care. Understanding these perspectives can help medical educators design communication and relational training tailored to the unique context of anesthesiology, where preoperative empathy must often be conveyed within minutes.
What You Should Know
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Empathy in anesthesiology centers on relational connection rather than technical reassurance.
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Relationship-oriented behaviors—listening, connecting, and personalizing communication—were rated most empathic.
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Female anesthesiologists placed greater emphasis on emotional engagement than males.
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Insights can guide empathy training and communication curricula in anesthesia education.
Thank you to A & A Practice for publishing this novel investigation into how anesthesiologists themselves define and value empathy in clinical care.