Greater physician empathy has been associated with fewer medical errors, better patient outcomes and more satisfied patients. It also results in fewer malpractice claims and happier doctors. One easy way to be more empathetic? Listen. I will not be influenced by you unless I feel like you understand me. Let the person you are trying to move tell their story. It’s not for you, it’s for them.
Enjoy this short story from the NY times about how excellent physicians can miss the mark if they don’t listen and show empathy.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/21/can-doctors-learn-empathy/
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