The importance of empathy as an interviewing skill in medicine
Article Abstract:
Many people are not satisfied with their physician, often as a result of poor communication skills on the part of the physician. Empathy by the physician is an important attribute of effective communication between a patient and a physician. The physician must be able to understand the position the patient is in and to be able to let the patient know that such understanding exists. Such communication leads to a more accurate understanding of the patient's problem and the appropriate solution for that patient. Good communication is especially important when the patient is first interviewed regarding his or her complaint. Physicians can learn to use empathy by reflecting on their own emotional experiences and by practicing trying to understand how a given patient probably feels for a given situation. A physician will discover that his efforts to engage in empathic communication are successful when an emotional contact is made with the patient. Many physicians say that such communication would be great if they had the time, but that it is not cost-effective. The little extra time that effective communication takes is often more than made up for by fuller disclosures by patients, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. Also not to be overlooked is the emotional care patients require. Nothing can be more reassuring during illness than a caring physician. Empathy is an important attribute that all physicians should develop. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1991
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Requiem for an unknown leper
Article Abstract:
On a recent visit to the Hawaiian island of Molokai, the author visited the famous leper colony at Kalaupapa. Kalaupapa can only be reached by an arduous journey on a mule or by taking a small plane. Upon arrival, he and his wife were met by a tour guide, a Polynesian woman suffering from leprosy who reassured the visitors that she was not infective. After a short van ride, the tour guide was replaced by another woman, who informed them that no new patients had been sent to the colony since 1969. She also remarked that most people know little about leprosy or are misinformed about it. Over 15 million people worldwide suffer from leprosy and the number is growing. It occurs in the US mainly in immigrants from Vietnam or the Philippines. The woman went on to explain her own experiences with the disease and how she was treated. The disease is often accompanied by high fevers. It adversely affects the skin and can cause severe disfigurement. The author asked her what she would like all physicians to know. The essence of her answer was that all physicians need to be aware of their patients' feelings as well as their physiology. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1991
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Association of perceived medical errors with resident distress and empathy: A prospective longitudinal study
Article Abstract:
The frequency of self-perceived medical errors among resident physicians is assessed to determine the association of self-perceived medical errors with resident quality of life, burnout, depression and empathy using validated metrics. It is suggested that perceived errors and distress are related in a reciprocal cycle.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2006
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