Empathy in the patient-physician relationship: Its meaning, impact on patient psychology, satisfaction, compliance, the quality of care and how can empathy in clinical encounters be promoted

Despite explicit patient's preferences and needs, research evidence shows that empathy in the patient-physician encounter often remains neglected. Many barriers to the expression of sensitivity to the patient's concerns, empathy and compassion in the clinical encounter can be identified. Time constraints, poor continuity of care, appearance of alienating factors between patients and physicians and the 'hidden curriculum' are just few of a long list. The term empathy and its value in the medical encounter is explored and current research is summarized, highlighting current deficiencies. Adoption by physicians and health care workers of the CAPTURES* mnemonic technique is suggested, to improve empathy and humanistic contact during encounters. It includes Curiosity about the patient's personal aspects, finding something to Admire, trying to see things from the patient's Point of view or Perspective, Touching and Using body language to convey caring, Reacting to the patient and Stressing any positive/encouraging aspects to provide Support, reassurance and hope. Thus, a warm, interested and supportive attitude towards patients can be regularly adopted with ease in every setting. Empathy comprises sensitivity and comprehension of the patient's narrative; compassion; and commitment to support the patient. Marked benefits to both physicians and patients can be expected, including improvements in patient's satisfaction, trust and compliance-leading to significantly better 'hard' health outcomes. Thus, sincere empathic behavior can become an integral part of the encounter, correcting current deficiencies and catching up with the astounding advances of modern biomedicine.