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