Enhancing partner empathy and support in the postnatal period: impact of a communication and empathy resource on sub-optimal communicators

Effects of Loving-Kindness Meditation on Doctors' Mindfulness, Empathy, and Communication Skills

Background: In the context of increasing doctor–patient tensions in China, the objective of this study was to explore and examine the effects of loving-kindness meditation (LKM) on doctors’ mindfulness, empathy, and communication skills. Methods: A total of 106 doctors were recruited from a hospital in China, and randomly divided into an LKM training group (n = 53) and waiting control group (n = 53). The LKM training group received 8 weeks of LKM training intervention, whereas the control group received no intervention. Three major variables (mindfulness, empathy, and communication skills) were measured before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the LKM training intervention. Results: The empathy and communication skills of the LKM group were significantly improved compared with those of the control group, but the level of mindfulness did not significantly change. Conclusions: The results suggested that LKM may contribute to improving physicians’ empathy and communication skills. However, the mechanisms that underlie the effects of the LKM on mindfulness, empathy, and communication skills and other psychological constructs needs further elucidation.

Increasing partner communication and understanding during pregnancy: evaluation of 'The Great Pregnancy Quiz'

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a Quiz designed to enhance communication and understanding in expectant parents.

BACKGROUND

A supportive and understanding relationship is associated with better maternal mental health outcomes. Many services therefore advocate that couples should communicate openly with each other, particularly about worries or concerns either have. To facilitate this a quiz (The Great Pregnancy Quiz) was developed and evaluated in this project.

METHOD

English-speaking women (N = 442) and men (N = 146) were recruited from antenatal clinics or classes and were given the 'Great Pregnancy Quiz' to complete at home. Approximately 2-4 weeks (T2) later they participated in either a phone interview, an online survey, or a face-face interview, still during the pregnancy, concerning the impact of the Quiz. Data were available from 90 women and 46 men. Data were analysed using a mixed-methods single group post-test only design.

RESULTS

Most women (78 of the 90: 87%) and men (35 of the 46: 76%) reported that the Quiz had positively impacted either their understanding or knowledge of each other. For 30 of the 90 women (33%) and 3 of the 46 men (7%) one or other had implemented some new supportive behaviour due to the Quiz. Qualitative comments highlight the impacts of the Quiz.

CONCLUSION

Most couples who did the Quiz reported positive impacts on their communication and understanding. While the issue of low T2 contact rates may have skewed the results, the benefits associated with the quiz make this resource an inexpensive and easily implemented health promotion strategy.