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- Page navigation anchor for Empathy in general practice: its meaning for patients and doctorsEmpathy in general practice: its meaning for patients and doctorsEmpathy is outlined in Eby’s article as being an essential emotional facet of a physician’s practice. The article discussed how the current emphasis within medical education on learning treatment algorithms and rigid management guidelines is producing a generation of medical students and junior doctors who lack this emotional aspect to their practice.While it is absurd to suggest that empathy is not a core skill necessary for a physician to possess, it is unlikely that a focus on guidelines within current medical education and good clinical communication are mutually exclusive. The primary role of a doctor is to competently treat a patient’s presenting complaint; however, it is a personal and professional sense of responsibility that drives us to achieve this in a caring manner.It is likely that the means of achieving truly empathetic consultations is a result of experience and this skill takes a clinician from being simply competent to excellent. The responsibility of medical educators is however, to produce competent junior doctors and this is impossible without the teaching of set guidelines and algorithms.Realistically, it is time on clinical rotations that will initiate the development of young medical students into caring and empathetic practitioners as they become able to appreciate patients’ experiences and emotional needs, however this is an on...Show MoreCompeting Interests: None declared.
- Page navigation anchor for Empathy in general practice: A UK medical students perspectiveEmpathy in general practice: A UK medical students perspectiveIt was extremely reassuring to read an article that focussed on a vital factor in the doctor-patient relationship. Research findings have shown a link between health care providers empathy, and clinical outcomes in diabetic patients.1 The rationale behind this is that the formation of a trusting relationship between Dr and patient following an empathetic engagement, can lead to more accurate diagnosis and greater compliance. I recently observed a GP consultation where I saw first-hand the effect empathy can have on patient care. The doctor was very compassionate and understanding of the situation of a 60-year-old man who was feeling overwhelmed with uncertainty looking after his wife with dementia. After discussing his concerns, the patient concluded by mentioning that he felt a lot better mentally just by attending the appointment and having his worries acknowledged.As a final year medical student, I agree wholeheartedly with the authors point that empathy is worth trying to understand. An ideal consultation is one that encompasses the patients concerns and expectations, as well as utilising guidelines and evidence-based-medicine to reach the best management plan.It is unfortunate to read the statement that describes medical students as ‘becoming less empathetic as their training progresses’. Perhaps this should be expected, as medical students gradually incorporate more scientific re...Show MoreCompeting Interests: None declared.