Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Assessing Student Empathy For Hemodialysis Patients, Stephanie M. Cailor, Logan Conkey, Laura K. Farleman, Rachel M. Wilcox, Emily M. Laswell

Pharmacy and Nursing Student Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Poster Session

Hemodialysis is a treatment process utilized by kidney patients to filter their blood. These patients are required to undergo an intensive regimen including hemodialysis treatments multiple times per week lasting 3-5 hours each. As a result of hemodialysis, patients experience decreased autonomy, freedom, and independence. An estimated 50% of these patients do not adhere to their treatment regimen. Patients on hemodialysis may be more compliant to their treatment if they are satisfied with the level of care and empathy they perceive from their healthcare providers. Currently there is no literature measuring empathy levels of healthcare professionals or students towards patients …