Why Clinical Empathy training & Why organise Physician Associate shadowing?

Question 1

Why did you do clinical empathy training?

Answer 1

I know that can be an issue with clinicians expressing empathy to patients, as I’ve experienced this in my past as well as from family and friends.

I wanted to understand why it is important and what are the benefits of expressing this clinical empathy to a patient.

• It can lead to better clinical outcomes for the patient
• Better satisfaction for the patient and the clinician
• You can understand how a disease can be affecting an individual in many ways eg mentally, physically, emotionally - addressing this can lead to better healthcare for the patient

I also wanted to understand what can reduce the likelihood of a clinician expressing this empathy.

• Time restraints
• Burnout (so physically/emotionally burnt out)
• If the GP has got an opposing view to the patient
• If the consultation is over the phone it can be harder to express empathy due to the lack of non-verbal ques

Question 2

Why have you organised Physician Associate shadowing?

Answer 2

To get a greater understanding of the clinical side of the patient to clinician relationship, as I feel that it is something that my experience is lacking and it is only going to benefit me.

It would amazing to see how a Physician Associate handles themselves and what’s expected of them and what is in their capabilities and what isn’t.