DISEASE to EASE: Paradigm shift in clinical approach

Abstract

The high demands of contemporary medical practice have minimized the patient–physician contact with less or no time for Empathy. Unconsciously, our mind is set to focus on “disease” and often patients are referred as “cases.” Where there is a rising concern of physician fatigue and burn out, there is equal concern of losing the component of “being humane” in the busy era of modern medical practices. The inability to connect with the patients has increased physician’s susceptibility to burn out and dissatisfaction on the part of patient and physician.We propose Empathy based innovative concept “EASE” that envision patient-centered approach instead of disease-centered approach to ensure healthcare delivery in a humane, meaningful way to foster patient-physician relation. High Empathy is associated with low physician burnout and is a key driver for patient satisfaction. Health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease. EASE based approach is a sequential, comprehensive approach that encompasses all elements of human health to be incorporated in patient’s encounter in the order:E Empathy & Emergent careA AilmentS Supportive Care & Social needsE Emotional wellbeing & Patient Education