How can you encourage healthcare providers to be more empathetic with their patients?

Undoubtedly, one of the greatest ways to show empathy is the humility to listen to our patients. Nothing says I recognize you as much as asking "How can I help you today", and sincerely establishing eye contact to show one is invested in that question. The directions that the conversation could go in could spiral, that is where our skill as a physician will be called in to manage what we can as applicable.

Before you can be empathetic you definitely need to be kind to yourself. Know what your values are. Constantly reflect on your actions, conversations, .... Look what went well and what did not go that well. Look how you can make improvements

To show empathy to your patients, you have to understand: 1) That no matter your experience on the subject of discussion, you have never known nor will you ever really know the extent of their particular discomfort or struggle. This realization allows you to treat the patient as an expert in how they're feeling, which then allows you respond with effective humility, insight, and plan. 2) Your own limitations for empathy. Certain topics or certain types of patients can be a challenge for you in showing empathy. When you identify these areas, you can come up with a plan on how to effectively approach these topics or patients. So, the next time a "challenging patient" comes in, you are better equipped to respond therapeutically.

In my experience, listening to understand and not reply is important. When you understand where they are coming from and how they see the situation, you are able to help them reach their health goals effectively in a personal way. Patients need to feel heard and validated before they are ready to jumping right to how to fix their health problems. Patients that also feel heard and understood are more likely to be complaint with care.

In terms of broader organisational impact, active listening enhances teamwork, fosters better understanding of job roles and responsibilities, and contributes to a more empathic work culture. It’s a skill that has a ripple effect, influencing not just consumer outcomes but also inter-team relations and overall job satisfaction. Listening is not a passive act but a deliberate and dynamic form of engagement. As part of my leadership style and managerial responsibilities, I find that active listening informs more nuanced decision-making and strategy formulation. Therefore, incorporating this approach is not just beneficial but essential.

Active listening involves engaging actively with the patient. You should be maintaining good eye contact, and you should be about an arm's length from them. This positioning conveys your active presence with the patient, and it helps you avoid distractions.

Expressing empathy both verbally and nonverbally is a nuanced skill, especially pivotal mental health. Verbal affirmations like "I can see that you are frustrated" or "I appreciate your courage to share this with me" serve to validate the consumer's emotions. They foster a sense of trust and openness, encouraging more transparent communication. Such statements can be particularly impactful in initial consultations or critical care discussions where setting a supportive tone is essential.

Empathy is an active and bidirectional process. You have to respond to what the patient is saying, whether verbally or non-verbally. In your verbal response, avoid using, "I know or I understand that..." In your non-verbal response, be mindful of your facial expressions and your body positioning. Provide appropriate culturally appropriate eye contact and avoid too much space between you and the patient, so you don't appear to be distant or uninterested.

Alongside verbal and nonverbal communication, the tone of voice used by healthcare providers significantly impacts the perception of empathy. Speaking with a compassionate and caring tone can communicate genuine concern for the patient's well-being. Additionally, using language that is easily understandable and avoiding medical jargon helps patients feel included and informed in their care. Being mindful of the power dynamics inherent in the provider-patient relationship, and striving for equality and mutual respect, further enhances the empathetic connection.

Take the time to ask patients if they have any questions or concerns about your assessment and ongoing treatment plan. Ask them if they are comfortable with what you are proposing to them. Remind them that this is a collaborative effort and they are free to express their opinions. They should never feel intimidated by our medical expertise and should always feel that they have a voice.

There is a severe problem in the Emergency Rooms of Hospitals caring for mentally, brain ill patients. There is a complete lack of empathy. Many of the patients have had sexual trauma in their history , such is the reason for the illness. They are treated like they are criminals, held down and forced to change their clothes and get into a gown (POLICY before Compassion) in front of male security and police, even when they are not a danger to themselves or others. It re-traumatizes them. ER rooms are for treatment not re-traumatizing. Some patients have stated that they have more PTSD from the Police wellness checks, and hospitalizations than the mental illness itself.

Think of a loved one/family member in the patient’s situation: -What would you expect/require their provider to say and do to provide the best care in each situation? -Do that.

Practice showing empathy in every interaction, whether it is with patient or with colleagues. The more your practice, the more natural showing empathy will be.

Tell them to practice the "Lost Art of Listening" They have to meet their daily quotas and put their practice ahead of their patients .If they don't Listen -Fire Them .They are a commodity just like everything else not Gods to bow down to .

Collaboration and communication among healthcare providers are essential for fostering empathy in the healthcare setting. By actively engaging in multidisciplinary team meetings, providers can share insights from their interactions with patients, learn from one another's experiences, and develop a collective understanding of patient needs. This collaborative approach improves continuity of care, reduces errors, and enhances the overall patient experience. Building a culture of empathy within the entire healthcare team results in a more supportive and compassionate environment for patients and providers alike.

You cannot give what you do not have. If you are struggling in your self-care and in your mental space, you are not going to be able to engage with another person in their challenging situation, and you might actually be harmful in such interactions. As such, part of being able to be empathetic is regularly engaging in self-care practices that help you feel supported and with good well-being.

Supporting healthcare providers in managing the emotional toll of their work is crucial for sustaining empathy. Encouraging self-care practices and creating a supportive work environment can help prevent burnout and compassion fatigue. Ensuring that providers have access to resources such as counseling or debriefing sessions enables them to process difficult emotions and seek guidance when needed. By prioritizing self-care, healthcare providers can maintain their own well-being and continue to provide empathetic care to their patients.

As a white person who works on a AIAN reservation, I read everything (and I mean everything) I could get my hands on about the community. I attend webinars where presenters are AIAN providers working in similar communities. Knowing what the community has been through in the last 500 years touched my heart and my training enables me to be compassionate and really take the time to listen carefully to community members.

In my experience understanding culture opens the door to better understanding your patient. If understanding culture the provider may deliver a heart felt response to the presenting problem.

Have "Patient for a day" workshops to help health care providers understand a patient's struggles. Have they ever spent a day trying to navigate the world in a wheelchair? Have they been transferred in a lift? Have they ever had to wait an hour to be helped to the bathroom? Can you use a VR program to simulate the disorientation a person with dementia experiences?