Empathy is the root of dignity for patients, and healthcare providers need to consciously adjust their communication styles to demonstrate that empathy, according to Melissa Thompson, MBA, healthcare strategist, patient, and self-advocate. Some examples include not discussing the patient without including them and using inclusive language that brings the patient and provider together.
Empathy is the root of dignity for patients, and healthcare providers need to consciously adjust their communication styles to demonstrate that empathy, according to Melissa Thompson, MBA, healthcare strategist, patient, and self-advocate. Some examples include not discussing the patient without including them and using inclusive language that brings the patient and provider together.
Transcript (slightly modified)
How can clinicians ensure that they are providing patients with dignity? What does dignity mean to you?
Empathy’s rooted in communication, and unfortunately the healthcare system I think, elitism is baked into communication. We make calls, and nurses call up to physicians and they call down to housekeeping, and that communication trickles down to the patient. Having conversations around patients about them without including them when they’re in the same room makes us feel alienated.
Also, my oncologist is wonderful. When we talk, she sits across from me and she’s never taking notes, she’s not on a computer, she’s looking at me. And she never says “we.” She doesn’t say “we believe,” she says “I believe” or “I think.” When she says “we,” she kind of puts a verbal wedge between myself and her as the institution. When she says “I” and “you” and “me” and “we” meaning her and I, it’s really an act of empathy.
Empathy’s a verb in healthcare; empathy, I think, is the root of dignity.
Examining Low-Value Cancer Care Trends Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 25th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the April 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on the rates of low-value cancer care services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Listen
Empowering Community Health Through Wellness and Faith
April 23rd 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. In the third episode, Camille Clarke-Smith, EdD, MS, CHES, CPT, discusses approaching community health holistically through spiritual and community engagement.
Listen
Beyond Insulin: The Impact of Next-Generation Diabetes Technology
April 17th 2024Experts explain how new diabetes technologies like continuous glucose monitors are transforming care beyond intensive insulin therapy, offering personalized insights and improving outcomes for patients of all treatment levels.
Read More