Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 7, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Compassionate Communication Starts with Listening
1Center for Compassionate Communication, T. Denny Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
Abstract:
This reflective narrative explores the profound impact of compassionate communication in healthcare from the author's personal experiences as a caregiver and teacher. The author recounts 2 pivotal encounters: one with an oncologist who delivered devastating news with clarity, empathy, and patience, and another with a cardiologist whose brusque, impersonal approach led to confusion and distress. These contrasting experiences underscore the critical importance of slowing down and truly listening to patients and families. The article highlights research demonstrating that compassionate communication improves patient outcomes and supports clinician well-being. Through her experience as a patient and caregiver the author advocates for training healthcare professionals in these essential skills. Ultimately, the narrative calls for a renewed focus on empathy, attentive listening, and human connection as foundational elements of effective patient-centered medical care.
More Related Videos
05:48The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
11:50Clinical Practice Protocol of Creative Music Therapy for Preterm Infants and Their Parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Published on: January 7, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...
Therapeutic Communication
Verbal communication depends on language or a prescribed way of using words so that people can share information effectively. The critical aspects of verbal...
Techniques of Therapeutic Communication II: Focusing, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing
This therapeutic technique can also be used when a patient brings up pertinent information during a health-related conversation. The...
Empathy
Communication
Communication