Navigating the Methods for Educating Health Professionals in Expressing Empathetic Care

UC San Diego Health has introduced a unique fellowship program aimed at equipping clinicians and nurses with the essential skills for compassionate communication with patients. The program, directed by Dr. Evonne Kaplan-Liss, M.D., M.P.H., the director of the Center for Compassionate Communication at the UC San Diego Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion, focuses on deep listening, clarity, and understanding patients' perspectives.

At the heart of the fellowship program is role-playing, which provides valuable feedback on aspects such as facial expressions, eye contact, and non-verbal cues. This hands-on approach allows participants to hone their skills in a supportive and constructive environment.

The program also incorporates exercises from the arts and humanities, broadening the scope of learning and fostering a more empathetic approach to patient care.

Dr. Kaplan-Liss emphasizes the importance of establishing an emotional connection between clinicians and patients, stating that it is established in the first two minutes of a clinical encounter. She believes that effective communication is key to building trust and ensuring that patients feel heard and understood.

For those interested in learning more about the fellowship program, a HealthLeaders story is available to read, offering insights into its structure and impact. Additionally, a video featuring Dr. Kaplan-Liss's insights on the program is available for viewing.

UC San Diego Health's fellowship program is a significant step towards improving patient care by teaching clinicians and nurses the skills they need to communicate compassionately and effectively with their patients.

Navigating the Methods for Educating Health Professionals in Expressing Empathetic Care