Webinar Summary | Teaching Empathy in Clinical Settings

In this insightful webinar, Andy explored his perspectives on therapeutic empathy and how to teach it effectively. The presented theoretical and practical approaches are supported by an extensive list of research studies, some of which he co-authored.

Andy explained the differences between general empathy, therapeutic empathy, and cognitive empathy as well as between empathy and compassion. He argued that therapeutic empathy shouldn’t be about sharing the patient´s feelings, but rather about showing compassion. Andy believes that both patients and practitioners can benefit from applying principles of therapeutic care.

In the final part of his talk, Andy outlined strategies for teaching empathy, including role modelling, talking with patients beyond the diagnosis, the illness narrative encounter, and meaningful reflection. Tools he uses in a healthcare professionals’ training include the Empathy Map and the Patient Conversation Starter checklist.

Watch the webinar to learn more about:

• Benefits of empathic care for patients and healthcare professionals
• The CARE Measure
• The issue of the ‘hidden curriculum’ in medical schools

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