Do Physicians CARE? Psychometric Validation of the Portuguese Self-Report Version of the CARE Measure

Clinical empathy is central to the physician-patient relationship, and there is an increasing need for valid and reliable instruments to assess self-reported clinical empathy. Although the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) Measure is widely used in its patient-reported form, it has not been validated for physician self-assessment. This study examined the construct validity and internal consistency of the Portuguese self-report version of the CARE Measure in 221 physicians who completed an online survey. The sample was randomly divided into two subsamples for exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA). Measurement invariance was tested across gender, age, and professional status. Internal consistency, convergent validity, and known-groups validity were also evaluated. EFA revealed a two-factor structure - Cognitive and Affective Empathy - supported by CFA. Measurement invariance was confirmed across gender, age, and professional status. The scale showed good internal consistency for both factors. Convergent validity was indicated by correlations with communication competence and therapeutic relationship quality. Known-groups validity was demonstrated by higher cognitive empathy scores among physicians aged 41 and older and among men. These findings provide robust evidence for the validity and reliability of the Portuguese self-report CARE Measure, supporting its use in clinical training, self-assessment, and empathy research.