We thank Howick et al for their important, practical suggestions about improving the provision of empathy in GP consultations.1 These proposals are communication skills, focused on single consultations. In addition, empathy can be progressively increased when GPs are able to see the same patients repeatedly. Ridd et al found that repeated consultations progressively deepened the patient–GP relationship.2 Mercer et al, in their classic study of GP empathy, found a significant effect of ‘the patient knowing the GP well’.3 This is probably the most common way in which GPs learn about their patients as people and their individual characteristics. This paves the way for more empathic care.4 Continuity counts.
- © British Journal of General Practice 2024
