Clinical empathy training is becoming an increasingly important component of medical education, according to the The Washington Post. Most of the training is simply good bedside manner, but studies have suggested formal training in empathy can produce significantly better outcomes.
Here are four benefits to formally training physicians to empathize with patients.
1. Empathy training improves patient satisfaction. A 2011 study found patients trusted physicians more who took an empathy training program developed by faculty from Duke, the University of Pittsburgh and other medical schools, according to the report. Another study found physicians who took a different empathetics course were better at understanding their patients and making them feel comfortable. In addition to forging a meaningful connection with patients, improving patient satisfaction is becoming more critical as these scores are linked to accountable care and reimbursement rates.
2. Empathy skills actually save time. While some physicians may feel it takes time they don't have to empathize with each and every patient, it can actually be more efficient, Helen Riess, MD, director of the empathy and relational science program at Massachusetts General Hospital, told The Washington Post. Physicians who attempt to understand their patients are able to pinpoint and address patient issues more quickly.
3. Empathy training drives down malpractice cases. Many malpractice cases are a result of poor communication or miscommunication. Physicians who are formally trained to empathize with patients reduce the risk of errors, according to the report.
4. It helps reduce physician burnout. Empathy training can be incredibly rewarding for physicians. Patients who feel their physicians understand and connect with them often give positive feedback which can help counter physician burnout, according to the report.
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