Abstract
This address relates to the notion of empathy in the context of the physician-patient relationship. Therefore, ‘physician empathy’ for the purpose of the matters dealt with in this address, may be defined as “the ability of a physician, to understand and share the feelings of a patient and his/her family”. In the context of the fact that the role of a doctor is viewed from the perspective of involving the business of caring for one’s patient, there is no gainsaying the obvious importance of ‘physician empathy’. Suffice it to say that having undertaken a bit of “searching” in view of this address, I find it is viewed as so important in developed healthcare system discourse, that there now exist several tests designed to empirically measure the levels of doctors’ empathy for the benefit of the healthcare system and the person it aims to ultimately serve – the patient.
Highlights
This address relates to the notion of empathy in the context of the physician-patient relationship
In the context of the fact that the role of a doctor is viewed from the perspective of involving the business of caring for one’s patient, there is no gainsaying the obvious importance of ‘physician empathy’
Suffice it to say that having undertaken a bit of “searching” in view of this address, I find it is viewed as so important in developed healthcare system discourse, that there exist several tests designed to empirically measure the levels of doctors’ empathy for the benefit of the healthcare system and the person it aims to serve – the patient. The definition, makes it clear that there are two facets of ‘physician empathy’ – the ability to (1) understand; and (2) share what is felt by the patient and to some extent, his/her family
Summary
The first element of empathy (understanding), or as it is sometimes called – the ‘cognitive domain’, involves a capability of a physician to view things from the other person’s (patient’s) perspective. This poses a challenge to the physician, who must adopt the ability to step out of his/her own personal high levels of knowledge and awareness, to be able to fully appreciate how the facts seem from the patient’s own and family perspective.
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