Empathy

Empathy definition

The ability to understand & share the feelings of someone else

• Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes

Sympathy definition

Expressing pity/sorrow for someone else

Empathy vs Sympathy & which is more important?

Empathy requires stepping into another’s shoes whilst sympathy only involves acknowledging their pain

• I feel that both are very important, but I feel empathy is more - Helps understand patent better, potentially leading to more informed treatment options

• Sympathy is also very important as it will help patient feel more at-ease, but too much can seem almost patronising & could make patient feel devalued

Why is empathy important in medicine?

Can improve patient care

• Patient may find it easier to discuss concerns

• Can help medical professional better understand patient & their difficulties/potential difficulties after treatment

• Makes patient feel more comfortable & at-ease

• Encourages doctor to communicate fully with patient 

Ways to/to not learn empathy

To learn

• Time spent with people & patients

• Watching other senior healthcare professionals

• Insights from lectures

To not learn

• Learning stock phrases

What is very important for being empathetic to a patient/their family?

Asking about their perspective on the situation (their concerns & expectations) so that you can better understand how they are feeling

An example of a time I displayed empathy

Cricket captain

• A teammate came to me feeling very distressed

• Had to step into his shoes - asked him questions to better understand his situation & see it from his POV

• Made him feel valued and heard through motivation & nodding

• Did this in a quiet room where we wouldn’t be disturbed to make him feel more comfortable

Very important to understand members of MDT to be able to tailor approach and be empathetic when they are having problems - High quality work/patient care can be maintained

Tips for breaking bad news

• Calm & clear communication (keeps them calm & avoids misinterpretation)

• Give them time to process it, and listen to them

• Ask them if they have any questions

• Offer them support (eg. yourself, counselling, senior doctor)

Where have I observed empathy?

Volunteering