Study Links NHS Empathy Scores to Patient Safety as Satisfaction Hits 25-Year Low

A first-of-its-kind study from the University of Leicester found that each 2.5% increase in NHS trust empathy scores correlates with 76% higher odds of Care Quality Commission ratings for patient safety. The research, submitted for peer review, arrives as UK patient satisfaction with NHS care dropped to 36% in 2022—its lowest since tracking began in 1997. Higher empathy scores also correlated with reduced spending on agency staff while improving staff wellbeing.