What About Empathy? A Qualitative Study Exploring the Role of a Podcast as an Asynchronous Empathy Teaching Tool

Though medical education podcasts are fast gaining popularity, they are overwhelmingly focused on teaching the medical expert role of physicians. We explored how medical learners and educators engaged with and learned from an empathy and communication-focused podcast and sought their recommendations for integrating the podcast into medical curricula. Six virtual, semi-structured focus groups were conducted with educators and learners within a large urban hospital and university setting. Participants were asked to listen to pre-selected episodes of the About Empathy podcast in advance. Thematic analysis was used to explore experiences and perceptions of empathy teaching and learning. There were 24 participants. We identified six themes related to the podcast and empathy learning: (1) forging connection through stories, (2) creating space to reflect on empathy, (3) shifting perspectives and biases, (4) feeling validated and enabling self-compassion, (5) gaining knowledge and building skills through empathetic communication, and (6) translating new knowledge and skills into practice. Participants highlighted that the podcast’s portability and asynchronous nature allowed them to be more fully present, reflective, and intentional in their learning. The About Empathy podcast was experienced as a flexible, just-in-time tool that promoted self-agency over one’s learning, reflective practice, and knowledge and skill acquisition, particularly with respect to empathic communication. Benefits of asynchronous e-learning tools such as podcasts support a shift to a blended learning model. Challenges finding a curricular home for this empathy-focused podcast require further consideration.