[Validity and reliability of the Persian version of JSPE-HP questionnaire [Jefferson scale of physician empathy-health professionals version]]

ABSTRACT

Empathy plays an important role in patient's relationship with his/her dentist or doctor. One of the most used tools for evaluation of empathy is the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy-Health Professionals Version [JSPE-HP]. The aim of this study was to validate the JSPE-HP for use among Iranian population. The English original version of the JSPE-HP questionnaire was translated into Persian language by a forward-backward translation method. Reliability was tested on 30 Dental and Medical students. Then validity and internal consistency were tested on 554 students. The reliability coefficient [Cronbach's alpha] of the JSPE-HP was excellent [alpha 0.83]. The coefficient of test re-test reliability measured by ICC [Intra class correlation coefficient] was 0.82 [CI 95% 0.80-0.87]. Freshman students had higher scores than other students and this difference was significant [P=0.03]. There was no significant difference on empathy scores between Dental and Medical students. The overall findings of this study indicate that the Persian version of the JSPE is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating physician-patient empathy in Iranian Population