Paramedic empathy levels: results from seven Australian universities

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent of empathy in paramedic students across seven Australian universities. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional study was carried out using a paper-based questionnaire employing a convenience sample of first, second, and third year undergraduate paramedic students. Student empathy levels were measured using a standardised self-reporting instrument: the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy-Health Profession Students ( JSPE-HPS). Findings – A total of 783 students participated in the study, of which 57 per cent were females. The overall JSPE-HPS mean score was 106.74 (SD¼14.8). Females had greater mean empathy scores than males 108.69 v 103.58 (p¼0.042). First year undergraduate paramedic mean empathy levels were the lowest, 106.29 (SD¼15.40) with second year’s the highest at 107.17 (SD¼14.90). Originality/value – The overall findings provide a framework for educators to begin constructing guidelines focusing on the need to incorporate, promote and instil empathy into paramedic students in order to better prepare them for future out-of-hospital healthcare practice.