Empathy in Healthcare: Why we should care

    

         In today's society healthcare is a very fast-paced environment. Technology and efficiency often times take the front stage in this field. While efficiency is a prime concern in healthcare, empathy is still just as important. Empathy is the ability to understand and feel another's emotions. What does empathy mean in healthcare? Well in healthcare, empathy is necessary in recognizing a patient's emotions as well as responding in a compassionate and caring way. 

        Empathy goes beyond the clinical scope of the medical field. It is about making patients feel heard, understood, and cared about. Empathy can have several benefits healthcare, such as better treatment and improved patient outcomes. A small act such as keeping eye contact or using actively listening can make a huge impact on patient satisfaction. When patients feel understood, they are more likely to share all of their symptoms and past treatments. Patients are also more likely to follow their treatment plan when their physicians actively listen to them. Feeling overlooked and uncared for can lead to patients withholding information that can be critical to their treatment. 

        A healthcare setting can be an intimidating experience for many. Empathetic communication can reassure the patients that they want to help and make them more comfortable. Not only does empathy go a long way for patients, it also can have a beneficial impact on physicians as well. When physicians and nurses practice empathy with patients, they often get greater job satisfaction and reduced burnout. 

        While empathy has great benefits in healthcare, it can often get pushed aside. Physicians often have limited time per patient leading to quick conversations and less empathy. By making eye contact and restating key points physicians can move fast while still practicing empathy. Additionally, the amount of patients physicians see a day can lead to compassion burnout.  While it is challenging remain empathetic will be beneficial not only for the patient but the physician as well. And with that I will be ending this blog.  Stay Safe, Stay Empathetic.      

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