Measurement of Empathy and Systematization Quotient among Medical Students

• Grant number: 25/06211-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Evaldo Marchi
• Grantee: Beatriz Santana de Siqueira Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Jundiaí (FMJ). Prefeitura Municipal de Jundiaí. Jundiaí , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Good medical education requires both technical and moral competencies, which are learned during undergraduate studies but can be improved. Among these, empathy stands out as an essential moral component with a direct impact on the doctor-patient relationship. Research conducted among medical students abroad indicates that empathy has been declining during the years of medical training. However, there is still a lack of evidence regarding whether this decrease is also a reality in Brazil. Objectives: To assess the empathy quotient among medical students and its possible correlation with gender, academic year, and religiosity. Method: A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study with the application of an online questionnaire to students from the 1st to 6th year of Jundiaí Medical School. It is divided into two stages: Application of the Empathy/Systematization Quotient Measurement Scale - Brazil, currently being validated for Brazilian Portuguese; Analysis of the data and comparison of average quotients among undergraduate classes. Expected Result: To identify the empathy quotient among medical students from Jundiaí Medical School and determine if there is a relationship with gender, academic year, and religiosity.