Empathy Definition In Health And Social Care

All people in all levels of our health care system must feel comfortable expressing their thoughts about hospital care and health care practices.

Empathy definition in health and social care. Sympathy emphasizes sharing of another person s feelings and experiences. 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. 3 this paper argues that there is currently a problem in the balance between. Empathy will foster trust a partnership forms and the healing process begins.

Empathy can be expressed in terms of joy sadness excitement misery confusion and pain. Understanding all the facets of a situation. Creating an empathetic work place is the first place to start. Also health professionals wellbeing is associated with higher empathy.

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. In the context of work that involves practical caring such as nursing or social work empathy allows professional staff and clients to work side by side. Empathy in the context of clinical care can lead to positive patient outcomes including greater patient satisfaction and compliance lower rates of malpractice litigation lower cost of medical care and lower rate of medical errors. 2 there is a need for conceptual clarity if doctors are to respond to the calls to provide more compassionate 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. Empathy is also vital in relationships between colleagues as they support and encourage each other. By acknowledging their emotional state and listening attentively we can engage our patients and empower them to be proactive and in charge of their health care. Empathy sympathy and compassion also share elements with other forms of pro social behaviour such as generosity kindness and patient centredness.

In conclusion empathy in health care is important and tangible steps can be made towards this goal. Psycho social care 10 although the lapses in care reported by francis and others are not entirely due to a compassion def icit the general consensus is that there is a problem in the provision of psycho social care in all settings and an urgent need to address the balance between scientific and psycho social care 10 concern about a.