Section: Module 6: Lesson 1: The Science of Empathy | Humanism in Health and Healthcare | NextGenU.org
-
Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 26 mins
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the notion of empathy, and how it differs from sympathy.
- Describe the scientific basis for empathy and its contributions to interpersonal interactions and relationships.
- Analyze how the concept of empathy is critical to medical practice, and particularly important after the epidemiological transition (you'll need to draw on concepts from previous modules in this course to do so adequately).
-
Students mustMark as done
Required Learning Resources and Activities
-
Students mustView
Read the article by Elliot Hirsch as he describes not only the important difference between sympathy and empathy, but also his own process of coming to appreciate the role of empathy in healthcare. As you read, think about your own goals as a health care provider be it in the realm of medicine, nursing, or another allied health profession. How might empathy be critical to your own practice? Do you encounter skepticism about empathy in patient care (either your own or that of your peers)? How might you respond to such critics?
-
Students mustView
Read the article by Helen Riess that articulates a neurocognitive basis for empathy and describes how it plays out in interpersonal relationships between clinicians and patients. As you read, think about how the demands for empathic interactions have amplified after the epidemiological transition (using concepts from the first section of this course).
-
Students mustViewReceive a gradeReceive a passing grade
To access the quiz, click on the name of the quiz provided above. On the following screen, click the "Preview quiz now" button to respond to the questions.