How Compassion Drives Healthy Outcomes

Last week we looked at the role a staff plays in preventing or exacerbating physician burnout. This week I would like to explore the connection of compassion to burnout and healthy outcomes.

Multiple studies indicate that compassion plays a significant role in healthcare. The majority of these studies focus on the compassion that is provided to patients. Sadly, compassion is one of those things that is more likely to be noticed when it is missing, than to be recognized when it is provided.

Recently I read Compassionomics by Trzeciak and Mazzarelli, and I was reminded of the compassion that the nurses displayed as they supported my mother and our family during her battle with cancer. Their day in and day out support over several months was extraordinary and even though it was more than 30 years ago, their kindness had a profound impact on my life.

Trezciak and Mazzarelli note that a patient’s trust in their physician’s skills is directly impacted by the level of compassion that they display. Simply put, compassion increases trust and when a patient trusts their physician, they are more likely to follow the recommended treatment plan. Adhering to their treatment plan ensures healthier outcomes for the patient and ultimately improves the reputation and overall results for the physician.

Prior to a physician displaying compassion for their patients, they must first demonstrate compassion for themselves and their staff. Compassion has a clear ripple effect and building a compassionate practice requires an acknowledgement of its importance through words and actions. Do you, as the physician leader schedule regular staff check-ins? Do you take time off and encourage your staff to do the same? Staff members must be shown compassion if they are expected to demonstrate compassion to patients. Studies show that practicing compassion can actually change the way our brains function and allow us to grow into more compassionate people.

I urge anyone in a leadership position to read Compassionomics, and as you consider how to integrate more compassion into your practice, I encourage you to start by showing compassion to yourself and to your staff.

If you would like support in strengthening your practice and creating healthier outcomes for yourself, your staff and your patients, please contact me at smays@impactpracticeconsultants.com.