AETCOM
PRESENTATION
DIFFERENCE IN PATIENT RESPONSE
WITH OR WITHOUT EMPATHY
WHAT IS
EMPATHY?
EMPATHY IS
UNDERSTANDING AND
SHARING FEELINGS OF
ANOTHER
KEY COMPONENTS OF
EMPATHY
● COGNITIVE EMPATHY ( UNDERSTANDING)
● AFFECTIVE EMPATHY ( FEELING)
● COMPASIONATE ACTION
Why Does
Empathy
Matter in ● Builds trust and rapport
Medicine? ● Enhances patient
satisfaction
● Improves treatment
adherence
● Better clinical outcomes
PATIENTS RESPONSE -WITH EMPATHY
1. Better Communication: Patients are more likely to share relevant
information when they feel understood and not judged.
2. Increased Trust: Empathy builds a stronger provider-patient
relationship, enhancing compliance and follow-up.
3. Improved Outcomes: Empathic care is associated with better
clinical outcomes, such as improved blood pressure control or
diabetes management.
4. Greater Satisfaction: Patients feel more satisfied and respected,
leading to higher satisfaction ratings.
5. Reduced Anxiety: Emotional support can lower stress and make
PATIENTS RESPONSE -WITHOUT EMPATHY
1. Withheld Information: Patients may avoid disclosing key
symptoms due to discomfort or fear of being dismissed.
2. Lower Trust: A cold or indifferent tone can erode confidence in
the provider’s competence and care.
3. Poor Adherence: Patients are less likely to follow medical advice
if they feel misunderstood or not listened to.
4. Negative Experiences: Lack of empathy can lead to feelings of
frustration, dissatisfaction, or even trauma.
5. Worsened Outcomes: Stress and poor communication can
contribute to misdiagnosis or poor disease management.
REAL LIFE
SCENARIO BASED
ON SURVEY IN
ORTHOPEDIC
WARD….
CASE 1( ORTHOPEDIC DEPT)
NAME : SHALINI
AGE : 22
WITH EMPATHY WITHOUT EMPATHY
● REGULARLY DOCTOR ● THEY WOULD FEEL NEGLECTED
ATTENDED AND CHECKED AND DISRESPECTED
● DOCTORS ARE ● THEY FEEL EMOTIONALLY
COMPASSIONATE AND ISOLATED
TREATING THEM WITH CARE
● THEY ALSO GIVE
CONSOLING WORDS TO
PATIENT
CASE 2 : ( ORTHOPEDIC DEPARTMENT)
NAME : CHINNAPAPA
AGE : 55
WITH EMAPTHY WITHOUT EMPATHY
● DOCTORS ARE SPEAKING WITH ● THEY FEEL ANGRY WHEN NOT
LOVE AND CARE TREATED PROPERLY
● THEY GIVE US THE TRUST THAT ● THEY FEEL BAD WHEN SOME
THE PROBLEM WILL HEAL DOCTORS ARE DISRESPECTFUL
● THEY FEEL FREE TO ● REDUCED SATISFACTION WITH THE
COMMUNICATE WITH THE TREATMENT
DOCTORS
● THEY RESPECT OUR PRIVACY AND
ARE REASSURING
RESEARCH-BACKED IMPACT OF
EMPATHY
1. Fewer Medical Errors: Doctors who display empathy make fewer
diagnostic and treatment errors.
2. Improved Chronic Disease Outcomes
3. Higher Patient Satisfaction: Empathetic communication ranks as
the top factor in patient satisfaction surveys.
4. Better Treatment Adherence: Patients are more likely to take
medications as prescribed.
5. Reduced Malpractice Claims: Empathetic doctors face fewer legal
complaints.
HOW TO BE MORE EMPATHIC
Practice Active Listening
Focus fully on the patient—avoid interrupting or multitasking.
Use Open Body Language
Maintain eye contact, nod appropriately, and avoid closed-off gestures.
Acknowledge and Validate Feelings
Say things like “That sounds difficult” or “I can understand why you feel
that way.”
Avoid Judgment
Accept the patient’s perspective without labeling or criticism.
Personalize Your Interaction
Use the patient’s name and refer to specific details they shared
SUMMARY
● Empathy is a vital clinical skill, not just a soft skill.
● It strengthens the doctor–patient relationship and fosters trust.
● Patients respond more openly and positively when they feel heard.
● Empathetic communication leads to better health outcomes and
higher satisfaction.
● Developing empathy improves both patient care and professional
fulfillment.
