Learning climate and self-perception of empathy in a teaching hospital's medical residency programs: a cross-sectional study.

In order to explore whether there is a correlation between the learning climate (LC) and the selfperception of empathy by medical residents, we conducted an observational, cross sectional study in a teaching hospital using the D-RECT (Dutch Residency Educational Climate Test) and the Jefferson scale (empathy) in 140 residents from 9 specialties during 2019 and 2020. We documented a low to moderate and statistically significant correlation (Spearman's Rho: 0.34, p<0.0001) between both scores, with an acceptable reliability for both instruments (> 0.7). For every 10-point difference in the D-RECT scale, an average difference of 1.80 points in the Jefferson Scale was observed. This study provides new evidence regarding the correlation between the learning climate and self-perceived medical empathy during the residency program. Our findings suggest a trend that should be further studied in the future.