The influence of patient perception of physician empathy on patient satisfaction among attending physicians working with residents in an emergent care setting.

Background: It is unclear whether the patient's perception of attending physician empathy and the patient's satisfaction can be affected when attending physicians work alongside residents. We aim to determine the influence residents may have on (1) patient perception of attending physician empathy and (2) patient satisfaction as it relates to their respective attending physicians.

Methods: This is a prospective single-center observational study.