Should we teach doctors good “bed-side manner”?

Having participated in health care visits for myself, my three children and my mother, I’ve interacted with doctors who have all sorts of personalities: caring and compassionate, business-like, and downright rude. Despite these experiences, I’ve never given much thought to the idea that a physician’s bedside manner can influence patient-care.

But, in fact, there is ample evidence that a physician’s demeanor – specifically his or her ability to offer patients empathy – has a direct impact on patient care.

A systematic review published last year in the British Journal of General Practice found that empathy coming from primary care physicians helped to lower patients’ anxiety and distress and deliver better clinical outcomes. Another review published in the journal Psycho-Oncology found that oncologists who had communication skills training, expressed empathy, and practiced shared decision-making had improved patient outcomes.

Despite the data that show empathy from doctors helps patients, a systematic review of medical school students and residents found that empathy declines during physician training, particularly when medical school students and residents are learning in clinical settings. The evidence suggests that this is most likely because trainees are under a great deal of stress.

The good news is, there is a movement to improve physician empathy.  A new meta-analysis published earlier this month found evidence that interventions can help doctors to improve their communication skills and offer more empathy to patients. The authors advocate for training sessions to teach empathy to medical students, residents and practicing physicians as a way to improve well being for patients and the doctors themselves.

The take-home message here? Our health care system needs to cultivate better communication and empathy among doctors. As a patient, it’s important that you evaluate your health care providers on how they relate to you on a personal level, as well as their skills and credentials. It turns out that bed-side manner does have an important impact on patient well-being.