Definition Of Empathy In Health And Social Care

Empathy em pah the intellectual and emotional awareness and understanding of another person s thoughts feelings and behavior even those that are distressing and disturbing.

Definition of empathy in health and social care. The current article is an integrative and analytical literature review on the concept and meaning of empathy in health and social care professionals. 2 there is a need for conceptual clarity if doctors are to respond to the calls to provide more compassionate care. Miller keane encyclopedia and dictionary of medicine nursing and. At different times doctors nurses patients managers carers citizens and policymakers all need to be able to stand in each other s shoes and see the world through each other s eyes.

We spoke to four people working in the nhs about what empathy means to them and the role it plays in health and social care. 3 this paper argues that there is currently a problem in the balance between. Empathy is also vital in relationships between colleagues as they support and encourage each other. The current article is an integrative and analytical literature review on the concept and meaning of empathy in health and social care professionals.

Part of their success can be explained in the role empathy plays in their overall philosophy of care. Empathy sympathy and compassion also share elements with other forms of pro social behaviour such as generosity kindness and patient centredness. Sympathy emphasizes sharing of another person s feelings and experiences. Empathy by design philosophy.

The cleveland clinic has a reputation for being a world class place to receive healthcare consistently ranking high on various best of lists. Empathy i e the ability to understand the personal experience of the patient without bonding with them constitutes an important communication skill for a health professional one that includes. Creating an empathetic work place is the first place to start. Example of empathy 5 cleveland clinic.

All people in all levels of our health care system must feel comfortable expressing their thoughts about hospital care and health care practices. Understanding all the facets of a situation. Health care is one area of life where empathy really matters which is why we ve made it the focus of this month s newsletter. Empathy allows us to understand what patients are experiencing.

In conclusion empathy in health care is important and tangible steps can be made towards this goal. Empathy will foster trust a partnership forms and the healing process begins.