RP 101 → RP 401

In RP 101, we developed the foundational skills of identifying our reactions to common and challenging topics in healthcare, exploring the sources of those reactions, considering how those might impact the care we deliver, and developing plans for the future.  The stimuli for these sessions were panelist narratives and the timing of those sessions was earlier in our liminal state between RN and DNP. In RP 401, with more clinical experience under our belt, we transition to reflection based on our own experiences in our role as DNPs.  These sessions are designed to both help us think deeply about the care we deliver and to offer a feasible model for continued incorporation of reflection throughout our careers.

Background

Empathy is a “hot topic” in healthcare.  While often discussed, it is not always well defined. Empathy goes far beyond having a good bedside manner.  Among many definitions, one of the most concise and accurate is, “the intentional efforts made to understand and share the feelings of another”. These efforts require:

1. a view of patients as “fellow human beings” with whom we can relate
2. attunement with the patient with whom we are interacting and the environment in which that interaction takes place
3. an awareness of the assumptions and biases we bring to the interaction and
4. an awareness of the fact that it is impossible to know the feelings of others or understand them without asking questions.

Developing one’s empathy is critical for healthcare providers – not only because it is associated with less burnout (although that’s a nice benefit) – but also because studies have shown that empathy is significantly associated with improved clinical outcomes. While some might perceive empathy (or its lack thereof) to be innate, the good news is that experts agree that empathy is not innate to an individual, but is rather a skill that can be developed. To that end, during this session we will reflect on our past clinical experiences, identify challenges to our being empathic, and consider ways in which each of us can work to enhance our empathy.

Aside: It is worthwhile to point out the importance of empathy for the biopsychosocial model of  healthcare delivery. This model states that biological (which includes the physiologic and pathophysiologic processes of the body), psychological (which entails thoughts, emotions, and behaviors), and social (socio-economical, socio-environmental, and cultural) factors, all play a significant role in human functioning in the context of disease or illness, including decisions about accessing healthcare and whether or not an individual elects to carry out a treatment plan discussed during a visit. 

Assignment

Prior to the session, please review the above media links:

1. Start with the animated short, “What is empathy?”
2. Then watch the TED talk, “Compassion and the true meaning of empathy.”
3. Last, listen to the podcast 23 weeks, 6 days.

During our session, we will be exploring empathy and ways to further our ability to bring more of it into our practice. Begin to think of one or more patients/experiences you have had during which you either felt great empathy or had difficulty feeling or expressing empathy. Be honest with yourself, this is not a skill that is easy to exhibit each and every time you care for a patient. As a group we will explore the following questions:

1. What is empathy and how is it expressed?
2. What is active listening? In  what ways can it facilitate, or conversely, impede quality care?
3. To what extent are we at risk for assuming we understand our patients’ needs and/or motivations?
4. How are thoughts different from emotions?
5. Are emotions  OK in the practice of healthcare?