Compassion

The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare at Massachusetts General in Boston conducted a survey in 2010, which included 800 patients and 500 physicians. Researchers found that both patients and physicians believed that compassion made a difference in whether people lived or died. Other research has shown that when a physician demonstrates empathy to a patient, the patient reports greater satisfaction with the physician, as well as improved compliance regarding the physician's orders, and the physician has an easier time diagnosing and treating the patient. It is also believed that physicians who are empathetic will not only be more satisfied with their work but also feel it is more meaningful.

Compassion is the building of trust with another individual during times of crisis. It is the act ...