Empathy as a hermeneutic practice
MetamedicinePublished 1 September 1996
Ellen S. More
Citations28
SJR quartileQ3
SJR score0.34
SNIP1.21
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TL;DR
The history of the concept of empathy in clinical medicine, current definitions and the use of Balint groups in residency training as a way to develop empathic competence in novice physicians are discussed.
Abstract
This essay will argue for the centrality of empathy in the doctor-patient relationship-as a core of ethically sound, responsible therapeutics. By "empathy," I intend an explicitly hermeneutic practice, informed by a reflexive understanding of patient and self. After providing an overview of the history of the concept of empathy in clinical medicine, I discuss current definitions and the use of Balint groups in residency training as a way to develop empathic competence in novice physicians.
Keywords
MedicineHealth Professions
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