Empathy and Professionalism – Important Q&A Notes
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Q1: What is empathy? What is the role of empathy in the care of patients?
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings, emotions, and perspectives of
another person.
It involves both cognitive empathy (understanding) and emotional empathy (feeling with others).
Role of Empathy in Patient Care:
1. Improves communication – builds comfort and understanding.
2. Builds trust – helps patients follow medical advice.
3. Reduces anxiety – provides emotional support.
4. Enhances diagnosis – better history and insight into patient's condition.
5. Improves compliance – patients feel supported.
6. Strengthens doctor-patient relationship.
7. Supports holistic care – considers emotional, social, and mental factors.
> Summary: Empathy means treating the patient as a human being, not just a disease.
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Q2: State how to break bad news to the family using SPIKES protocol
The SPIKES protocol is a six-step method used to deliver bad news compassionately:
S – Setting: Ensure privacy, minimize distractions, sit down with the family.
P – Perception: Ask what they understand about the situation.
I – Invitation: Ask if they’re ready to hear the full news.
K – Knowledge: Deliver the news clearly, in simple terms, and in small pieces.
E – Emotions: Allow them to express their emotions, respond with empathy.
S – Strategy: Summarize and explain the next steps or options.
Example:
> “I’m sorry to say this, but despite all efforts, his condition has worsened. We are here to
support you.”
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Q3: What is sympathy? What is the difference between empathy and sympathy?
Sympathy is the feeling of pity or sorrow for someone else’s suffering without fully
understanding or sharing their emotions.
Difference Between Empathy and Sympathy:
AspectEmpathy Sympathy
Connection Deep emotional understanding Surface-level concern
Perspective “I feel with you” “I feel sorry for you”
Involvement Active and engaging Passive and distant
> Summary:
Empathy = Feeling with someone
Sympathy = Feeling for someone
Empathy is more effective in patient care because it builds trust and emotional support.
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Q4: Write a short note on role of doctors in the community
Doctors have a broad role in maintaining public health. They are:
1. Healthcare Providers – diagnosing and treating illness.
2. Health Educators – promoting hygiene and healthy living.
3. Disease Preventers – controlling infections and epidemics.
4. Community Leaders – advocating for better sanitation, nutrition.
5. Researchers – identifying health trends and local risks.
6. Coordinators – referring and working with health teams.
Conclusion:
> Doctors are not just healers, but also leaders in improving community health.
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Q5: Write a short note on expectations of society from doctors
Society expects doctors to:
1. Be medically competent and up-to-date.
2. Show compassion and empathy.
3. Behave ethically – with honesty and confidentiality.
4. Be accessible and available.
5. Communicate clearly and patiently.
6. Take social responsibility – engage in public health and awareness.
Conclusion:
> Society looks to doctors as skilled, ethical, and compassionate caregivers who also serve the
broader community.
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Q6: Describe the importance of respect in relationship with patients, fellow team members,
superiors and other health care workers
Respect is essential in all healthcare relationships:
1. With Patients – builds trust, improves communication and compliance.
2. With Team Members – fosters cooperation and teamwork.
3. With Superiors – shows professionalism, allows effective learning.
4. With Other Health Workers – promotes mutual appreciation, reduces conflict.
Conclusion:
> Respect ensures a safe, collaborative, and effective healthcare environment.
