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DR EMMA BRANDON2015
Teaching Empathy
What is Empathy ?
A sense of self-awareness & ability to distinguish own feelings from others
Taking another person’s perspectiveBeing able to regulate one’s own emotionsCaring for people & wanting to help themDiscerning what another person is
thinking/feelingAbility to feel & share another person’s
emotionsAltruisticOther-aware
What is Empathy ?
Cognitive empathy- recognising the emotionEmotional empathy- experiencing the
emotionCompassionate empathy- we want to help the
other person deal with the situation & emotions
Difficult part is taking action that truly helps another
Neurological basis; Theory of Mind & Empathy
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence
Ability to monitor one’s own & other’s emotions
To discriminate between emotionsTo label them appropriatelyTo use emotional information to guide
thinking & behaviourGreater mental health, exemplary job
performance, better leadership skills, increases empathy
Perceive emotions, understand emotions, use them & manage them
Why is Empathy important ?
Important survival skillSensing distress in a companion may help
you recognise a threatDevelops early in children Promotes pro-social behaviour, positive
mental states and increases helping behaviours
Aids effective communicationHelps reduce burn-outIncreases effectiveness
Secular Ethics
Golden Rule‘treat others as you want to be treated’
Platinum Rule‘Treat others as they want to be treated’
Promoting Empathy
With trainee:Recognise a ‘struggling’ trainee Tools to assess Empathy and Emotional
IntelligenceEncourage Mind-mindedness, sympathy & self-
awareness in feedback/CBD/assessmentsDifferences hinder empathy; recognise prejudicesDon’t have to ‘like’ someoneRecognise our ‘judgements’ of people‘be interested’ in others
Promoting Empathy
Promoting Empathy
Trainees may avoid emotions in their patientsUse role playValidate the other person’s perspectiveEncourage them to put aside their point of viewPromote flexibilityView videos and critique listening skillsListening with eyes, ears, instincts, heartPractising empathic phrasesFocus on ICEHelp trainees access their emotions
Promoting Empathy
Other Strategies
Practice active listening (in general life too)Share in other people’s joyLook for commonalities with othersRead fictionPay attention to facesCultivate curiosity in others/other culturesChallenge prejudices/look for commonalitiesListen hard & open upAsk other person to explain their position
Potential Problems
Confusing empathy with sympathyBecoming over-involvedBlurring of professional boundariesNot’ housekeeping’ the consultationEmotional burnoutLonger consultations initiallyRepeat attendance by patients/over-reliance
on doctorIt is a complex skill !
Importance
Allows more advanced communicationMore effective communicationBetter outcomes for patientsBetter mental health and reduced burnout for
doctorsReduced complaintsA broader life experienceMeets professional competencies
Food for thought