Empathy is an important asset to have when working with patients. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, empathy is defined as “the capacity to understand and relate to the patient’s illness, experience, and emotions.” Almost all people can express empathy, but it takes practice and in-depth understanding to use it to its full potential.
But why is empathy so important in this line of work?
The Sense of Connection
Empathy usually comes to people. It is a born characteristic of the human species, but it’s also a trait that we grow over time, depending on the circumstances. For instance, you may be able to empathize more with someone experiencing a health problem you have experienced yourself at some point. Not so much with someone struggling with a disorder you’ve never had. This is normal.
So, it’s important to understand this aspect and work on improving your ability to empathize and resonate with the patient. Communicate with the patient to learn their understanding of their disorder, how they perceive it, how it affects them, and what they believe the triggers are. Learn to listen in silence and observe. Don’t judge and show interest in helping the patient become more comfortable and relaxed in your company.
This helps build a connection between you and the patient, at which point you must reinforce it via specific behaviors. These include showing concern and understanding, using facial expressions to exhibit interest and empathy, and using words to transmit the feeling of safety. Words like “I know what you’re going through” or “Tell me how this illness has affected you and your family” can make a meaningful and positive impact.
They help the patient unwind and become more relaxed and open.
Understand the Patient’s Perspective
Not all illnesses are alike and they all impact the patient differently depending on their nature and severity. Your job is to inquire about the patient’s situation and understand their specific problem. Sometimes, even the most benign health problems can impact the patient’s mental health more than you would expect.
A simple soar throat may not sound like much from a medical perspective. But if it prevents the patient from attending an important event in their lives, it can impact them psychologically more than expected.
Sometimes, context matters and the patient’s social or personal problems can change the perspective on the matter drastically. In this sense, understanding the patient’s context and circumstances is critical for improving the health provider-patient relationship.
Manage Burnout
Burnout is normal in any doctor-patient relationship, especially when the empathic connection is low or non-existent. It’s easy to think that developing and showcasing empathy is just a side job in the medical sphere, where the actual medical treatment is what matters the most.
Empathy has been shown to strengthen the connection between doctor and patient, boost the patient’s mental state, and ultimately speed up their recovery. Yes, learning how to empathize with your patients may seem like extra work sometimes. But it’s important to remember the positive effect it will ultimately have on the patients.
With offices in Miami, Miramar, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and West Palm Beach, Primary Medical Care Center is a leader in full-risk primary care, distinguished by its innovative philosophy and unique physician-led culture that delivers coordinated, world-class primary care to the most vulnerable populations, particularly moderate- to low-income seniors with complicated chronic diseases.