How We Can Learn and Benefit from Practicing Compassion

Recently we have explored the correlation of physician burnout with the strength of a practice staff and the connection to compassion. Numerous studies show that high compassion relates to low burnout. We are then faced with two questions; Can we learn to be more compassionate? Do we have time to show compassion?

Prior to reading Compassionomics, I incorrectly believed that compassion could not be learned. The book shares a massive amount of research that includes the use of brain scans. The scans illustrate that compassion for others activates the para sympathetic nervous system by increasing vagus nerve activity. Ultimately, the science proves that we have the power to increase our ability to be more compassionate. Rumi, the poet, said “When we practice loving kindness and compassion, we are the first ones to profit.”

One study notes that “routinely and intentionally focusing one’s mind on kindness to others, as part of a disciplined practice, results in the building of positive emotions over time…” (UNC-CH). Practicing compassion must be intentional and requires less than a minute of time. Offering a few words of understanding of what your is patient is going through at the beginning and end of a visit, demonstrates compassion. A few kind words can reduce a person’s anxiety and provide a foundation for a stronger relationship.

This process also applies to your staff. Connecting with your staff requires intention and understanding their perspective and challenges. Being mindful of your interactions with your staff will build your compassion skills and serve as a model for their interactions with patients. Statements like “together we will develop a plan that is best for you and work through this as a team” demonstrates empathy and action and works for patients and employees.

In brief, practicing compassion builds trust with patients and staff and can improve results. My company was founded on the significance of the connection of the employee and patient experience to practice results. If you are ready to drive compassion and results in your practice, contact me at smays@impactpracticeconsultants.com.