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Expressing Humanism in Each Medical Encounter

Ami Schattner, MD

Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(12):1095-1099.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Humanistic behavior is considered an essential component of professional medical care. However, the evidence shows that it is often neglected. Many barriers to the expression of sensitivity to the patient's concerns and empathy and compassion in the clinical encounter can be identified. Time constraints, poor continuity of care, appearance of alienating factors between patients and physicians, and the "hidden curriculum" are just a few in a long list. To overcome them, personal adoption of the CAPTURES* mnemonic technique is suggested. It includes Curiosity about the patient's personal aspects, finding something to Admire, trying to see things from the patient's Perspective, Touching and Using body language to convey caring, Reacting to the patient, and Stressing any positive or encouraging aspects to provide Support, reassurance, and hope. Four brief case examples are presented herein to demonstrate that a warm, interested, and supportive attitude toward patients can be regularly adopted . . . [Full Text of this Article]

INTRODUCTION


CASE EXAMPLES
Case 1

Case 2

Case 3

Case 4

COMMENT

AUTHOR INFORMATION


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