(Hojat 2009)
Ten approaches for enhancing empathy in health and human services cultures.
by Mohammadreza Hojat
2009-01-22
"Empathy has been considered as far too important to be taught only to health professionals (Ivey, 1971; 1974).
Others have suggested that the capacity for empathy in people in general can serve as a foundation for building interpersonal relationships that have a buffering effect against stress and can be an essential step in conflict resolution (Kremer & Dietzen, 1991).
As the author has noted "empathy can be viewed as a remedy for the psyche and soul of human kind...And may be it can serve as a means of achieving a global peace here, there, everywhere on earth." (Hojat, 2007, p. 214).
To enhance empathic understanding in health and human services, we need not only a broad reform in the health and human services education at undergraduate and graduate levels, but also in training the hospital staff, staff of the assisted-living environment, as well as health services administrators and executives. Clinical and organizational managers in health care institutions and human services organizations should develop well-designed and effective institutional-wide programs to retain, cultivate, and enhance a culture of empathic understanding based on approaches described in this article and other innovative approaches."
Methods Outline
Improving Interpersonal Skills:
Audio- or Video-Taping of Encounters with Patients:
Role Playing (Aging Games):
Shadowing a Patient (Patient Navigator):
Hospitalization Experiences:
Study of the Arts:
Improving Narrative Skills:
Theatrical Performances:
Balint Method:
Notes:
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