Four ways empathy can improve patient care

Being treated with compassion can make a big difference to whether people feel positively about the care they receive. When people encounter a receptionist who is rude, or a doctor who doesn’t listen to them, they can be put off asking for support when they need it most.

According to research from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), patients relate better to professionals who are empathetic and interested in what they say. Our own evidence supports this view, and we know that people find it easier to discuss their concerns and seek medical advice early when they feel supported by healthcare staff.

It's clear that the NHS workforce is facing pressures. A recent survey by the NHS revealed that nearly 40% of staff who responded felt unwell because of work related stress. However, if professionals are empowered to give empathetic care it can save services time and money in the future, as well as improving patient satisfaction.

For example, we’ve heard more positive stories of people with mental health conditions who could get the right support quickly because their GP was compassionate.  

How can health services be more empathetic?

1. Take the time to listen to people and take their concerns seriously
   People should be able to seek help and ask questions when they have a concern. When staff are too busy, people can feel that their needs are not a priority or that their concerns are dismissed without explanation, meaning they’re less likely to ask for help again.

   The NHS’s future plans highlight the importance of preventing and spotting conditions earlier. Our research shows that the public support this approach and want an NHS that helps them stay well.
    

2. Provide consistent care
   People who have long-term conditions, such as diabetes, don’t always have a relationship with the professionals who treat them. Usually this is because they see different professionals at each appointment. People tell us they would value having a single point of contact who understands their needs, and could help provide consistent care across different services.

   While this idea can be supported by system wide projects, such as improved record sharing, it only addresses part of the problem.
    

3. Understand that people want to hear from others who can relate to their experiences
   Although clinicians are the experts in diagnosing and suggesting treatment options, other factors affect patient decisions. We know from our work, that while people welcome increased investment in mental health services, what they want is more support from others who have experience living with the condition.

   While peer support should never be a replacement for clinically trained professionals, it could help provide a greater level of empathy in the support offered by the NHS.
    

4. Use technology to give professionals more time to provide care
   People welcome the use of more technology in health and care. They can see how it can be used to provide support for simple transactions and faster communications, ultimately reducing staff administration. This would help professionals free up more time to focus on giving care with a human touch.