The Importance of Empathy Training in Healthcare
What happens when it’s missing?
A star is born
Imagine laying on a gurney, struggling to breathe. A surgeon tells you not to worry about the scar from your tracheotomy. They compare you to Catherine Zeta-Jones. Seems a bit out of touch, right? This actually happened to me back in 2006. I still remember every word that was said. My surgeon reassured me that Catherine Zeta-Jones had a tracheotomy when she was a kid and you couldn’t see her scar. This disconnect highlights a major problem: the lack of empathy training in healthcare. Unempathetic interactions can really hurt patients. It’s important to improve communication and connections in medicine. This article will explore these issues in other patients and offer solutions.
Am I going to die?
Larry went to the Emergency Room, short of breath, in a tremendous ammount of pain, and terrified. After hours of painful tests, a CT scan of his chest revealed pulmonary emboli in both lungs. The doctor told him his diagnosis, then left the room. As these words began to sink in, Larry understood one thing: he didn’t understand anything that was happening to him. He asked the nurse to call the doctor back in to answer some questions. Larry asked the toughest question any medical professional can hear: “Am I going to die?”
Instead of saying, “We’re going to do everything we can to take care of you,” he looked up at the ceiling, pondering the question. Larry can’t remember the answer. Why would he? Instead he remembers a very negative feeling towards the doctor!
“Just Because Someone Looks Healthy…”
Healthcare providers often make assumptions about patients. They might judge them based on looks or age. It’s important to overcome these biases. Just because someone looks healthy doesn’t mean they are. Treat each patient with fresh eyes. Even if 95% of patients are drug-seeking, what about the other 5%? You can’t miss them. They might have anxiety or a hidden sickness. Healthcare providers need to be neutral and listen.
Patient Anxiety and Mistrust
Unempathetic interactions cause anxiety and fear. Patients can start to mistrust doctors. Many studies, including this one conducted by the Journal for Clinical Nursing found that negative experiences lead to poorer health results. If patients don’t feel heard, it hurts their healing. Patients are less likely to follow medical advice when they don’t feel cared for. Imagine a patient who doesn’t take their medicine. This could be because they don’t trust a dismissive doctor. Lack of empathy can harm treatment.
Strategies for Cultivating Empathy in Healthcare
What steps can healthcare providers take? There are actions for improving their empathy skills.
Active Listening and Validation
Listen to your patients. Validate their experiences. Active listening training can help. This training should start in medical school. Practicing professionals can do this, too.
Find a Connection to the Patient
One EMT recalls tending to a “grumpy” patient with chest pains. He didn’t want to talk or interact with the healthcare proffessionals that were trying to help him. The EMT noticed a bunch of Navy pictures around the room. One mention of that and the “grumpy” man perked right up and talked about his experience in the Navy. Total demeaner change! Talking about his passion changed his mood. Connecting with patients makes a big impact. What is your passion?
Emphasizing Patient-Centered Care
Care should focus on the patient. Their needs and preferences matter most. Regular feedback sessions can help. Patients can share their thoughts for improvements. In an interview with Dr. Regina Stanback-Stroud, former nurse and President of Skyline College, Dr. Stanback-Stroud emphasized that patients must be treated as people first.
Conclusion
A lack of empathy hurts patients. Overcoming biases is vital. Improving communication is essential. Empathy leads to better outcomes. It creates a more positive healthcare experience. More stories and insights are seen throughout the Impact of Empathy video series.
Consider having Impact of Empathy conduct a workshop in empathy training onsite at your facility
