This research investigates the influence of a human factor—empathic concern—on the perceptions of Chinese physicians regarding the coproduction of healthcare services in conjunction with their patients. Employing structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze data garnered from a comprehensive survey involving 512 physicians in public hospitals located in Qingdao, China, the study reveals that while empathy directly augments physicians’ perceived coproduction in healthcare, it concurrently induces stress, which adversely impacts their perceived coproduction. This research makes a significant contribution to the governance and policy literature by illuminating the role of human factors, particularly empathy, in the coproduction of services by public professionals.
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