Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of training in parallel chart writing for obstetrics and gynecology trainees in the standardized residency training (hereinafter referred to as residency training). Methods A convenience sampling method was employed to enroll 23 residents in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Affiliated Hangzhou First People′s Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University from June to December 2023 to participate in a parallel chart writing training course, which included six academic hours of theoretical training and six academic hours of practical training. The empathy levels of the residents were assessed before and after training using the Chinese version of the Jefferson Empathy Scale - Student Version. The teaching effect was evaluated through a satisfaction questionnaire after training. The paired sample t-test was used to analyze relevant data. Results The empathy scores of the residents before and after the parallel chart writing training were 102.8±12.1 and 119.4±10.6, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The questionnaire survey results showed that 91.3%(21/23) of the residents rated the course as “good” or “very good”, 87.0%(20/23) believed that the course helped improve their empathy and doctor - patient communication skills, and 91.3%(21/23) thought that the course promoted reflection in their clinical practice. However, 56.5%(13/23) of the residents felt that the course significantly increased their learning burden. Conclusions Training in parallel chart writing can enhance the empathy of residents in obstetrics and gynecology, improve their doctor-patient communication skills and clinical practice reflection. However, it also increase their learning burden. It is suggested that integrating parallel chart writing training into daily clinical work can avoid additional time costs.

Key words: Narrative medicine, Parallel chart writing, Empathy, Obstetrics and gynecology, Standardized residency training