Empathy – now more than ever

Empathy has varied definitions but we suggest that effective empathy can be defined as a continuum of three obligatory stages: first, Comprehension of the patient's predicament - a cognitive process based on listening and understanding the patient's narrative1; then, Compassion - an emotional, affective response that involves identification and benevolence; and subsequently, a Commitment to do the best for this patient – an active stage that may include search for the very best patient-tailored solutions, smoothing the path to necessary tests and consultations, and providing ongoing support.

Source: The American Journal of Medicine - October 31, 2021 Category: General Medicine Authors: Ami Schattner Source Type: research