Table 1 Subscales and items of the physician self-efficacy to manage emotional challenges scale (PSMEC)

Patient communication

3. I can communicate with difficult patients

5. I can handle difficult questions from patients

9. I am confident in my ability to meet a patient/relative who expresses strong emotions

13. I am good at calming patients down

14. I am good at delivering bad news to the patient

17. I am good at forming good relations to patients

Being questioned

7. I can handle being questioned by patients

10. I can handle being questioned by healthcare professionals

Medical competence

1. I feel confident that I have sufficient knowledge

4. I am good at the practical skills that are necessary in my role as a physician

8. I feel confident in how to handle my knowledge gaps

12. I believe in my ability to make sound medical decisions

Educative competence

2. I can make patients follow advice and recommendations

11. I am good at judging whether the patient has understood my information

15. I can explain in a way that patients understand

Relationships w healthcare professionals

6. I am able to contribute to a positive collaboration in the healthcare team

16. I am good at establishing good relations to the healthcare professionals