Discover how emotional intelligence can elevate patient care for healthcare professionals working with physicians.

In times of stress due to ill health of the patients themselves or even of the closed ones, may lead to panic and emotional responses in such situations. Being Empathetic in such situations ,helps a great deal in calming down the people involved and the situation. Rational Thinking is possible only by a calm mind and not a turbulent mind. Reassurance to the relatives along with the patients, helps them understand and have patience. Also, they would value the fact the fact you have understood their situation and that helps them build trust, that you would do your best

Last updated on Jul 19, 2024

Here's how you can enhance patient care through emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions, as well as to recognize, understand, and influence the emotions of others. In healthcare, where interactions can be fraught with stress and strong emotions, having high emotional intelligence can significantly improve patient care. By tuning into the emotional undercurrents of interactions with patients, you can better meet their needs, communicate effectively, and foster a healing environment.

1 Assessing EI

To enhance patient care with emotional intelligence, start by assessing your current EI level. Reflect on how you handle emotional situations. Are you able to stay calm under pressure? Can you read a patient's mood and respond appropriately? Developing a keen awareness of your emotional responses and triggers is the first step to using EI to improve patient interactions. It's not just about managing your emotions; it's about understanding them to build stronger patient relationships.

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Nancy Landry RN

Medical Aesthetics & Wellness
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In my journey as a healthcare provider, I've found that emotional intelligence (EI) is transformative. By empathizing with patients' emotions and fears, communicating clearly and empathetically, calming anxieties, resolving conflicts respectfully, collaborating effectively within teams, and continuously growing in EI, I've seen how it elevates patient care. EI isn't just about skills—it's about creating meaningful connections, understanding patient needs, and delivering compassionate care that truly makes a difference in healthcare outcomes.

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2 Active Listening

Active listening is a critical component of emotional intelligence. By fully concentrating on what the patient is saying, you validate their feelings and concerns, which can build trust and rapport. Listen not just for the content of their words, but for the emotions behind them. This can reveal underlying issues affecting their health and wellbeing. Patients who feel heard are more likely to engage in their care, follow medical advice, and report higher satisfaction.

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Dr. Sukhmeet K Sahni Kalsi

TEDXspeaker, MBA-BM, Executive Coach, PCC ( ICF), Curating Wellness sessions for Corporates, Behavioural trainer, Master trainer NLP ,Counseling Psychologist, Medical Consultant,EI Coach ( EI learning systems ,USA ),
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I would say Active listening is listening with mindfulness Nobody would forget what you made them feel,hence listening to understand is extremely important which means not just the content but the intent, too

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3 Empathy in Action

Empathy is the heart of emotional intelligence in patient care. It involves more than understanding a patient's feelings; it requires you to put yourself in their shoes and respond with compassion. When you display genuine empathy, patients feel respected and valued, which can alleviate anxiety and improve their overall experience. Empathetic communication can also lead to more accurate diagnoses, as patients may be more open to sharing pertinent information.

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Dr. Sukhmeet K Sahni Kalsi

TEDXspeaker, MBA-BM, Executive Coach, PCC ( ICF), Curating Wellness sessions for Corporates, Behavioural trainer, Master trainer NLP ,Counseling Psychologist, Medical Consultant,EI Coach ( EI learning systems ,USA ),
(edited)
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In times of stress due to ill health of the patients themselves or even of the closed ones, may lead to panic and emotional responses in such situations. Being Empathetic in such situations ,helps a great deal in calming down the people involved and the situation. Rational Thinking is possible only by a calm mind and not a turbulent mind. Reassurance to the relatives along with the patients, helps them understand and have patience. Also, they would value the fact the fact you have understood their situation and that helps them build trust, that you would do your best

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4 Managing Emotions

Effectively managing both your emotions and those of your patients is essential. This means staying composed when faced with an emotionally charged situation or when a patient is upset. By keeping your emotions in check, you provide a sense of stability and reassurance to patients, which is especially important in high-stress environments like emergency rooms or intensive care units. Emotional self-regulation also prevents burnout, allowing you to provide consistent care.

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Dr. Sukhmeet K Sahni Kalsi

TEDXspeaker, MBA-BM, Executive Coach, PCC ( ICF), Curating Wellness sessions for Corporates, Behavioural trainer, Master trainer NLP ,Counseling Psychologist, Medical Consultant,EI Coach ( EI learning systems ,USA ),
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We are the custodians of health while attending to patients,hence keeping our emotions under check is mandatory Response instead of a Reaction through self awareness The rational brain then takes over and the emotional brain reaction subsides. Hence a practice mindfulness helps in self awareness amd breath awareness which calms down the effects of the stress hormones

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5 Emotional Coaching

As a healthcare provider, you can act as an emotional coach to patients, helping them navigate their feelings about their health. This involves encouraging them to express their emotions, helping them understand these emotions, and guiding them towards coping strategies. By teaching patients how to manage their emotions, you empower them to take an active role in their health journey, which can lead to better outcomes and a more collaborative patient-provider relationship.

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Sierra Richard, PharmD, BCPPS

CEO & Founder of Happy Pharm Life LLC | Join the Happy Pharmacist newsletter for weekly tips to prevent burnout and set boundaries without guilt or overwhelm.
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One thing I have found is repeating back what the patient is saying can help. I start by saying, "What I am hearing you say is..." By allowing the patient to hear their concerns out loud, they are more open to coaching and discussion moving forward.

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Dr. Sukhmeet K Sahni Kalsi

TEDXspeaker, MBA-BM, Executive Coach, PCC ( ICF), Curating Wellness sessions for Corporates, Behavioural trainer, Master trainer NLP ,Counseling Psychologist, Medical Consultant,EI Coach ( EI learning systems ,USA ),
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Being present in the true sense as an Emotionally intelligent Coach is what would be extremely helpful in such situations This would increase your credibility as a coach and the patients' trust and confidence in you

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6 Cultivating EI Culture

Lastly, fostering an environment that values emotional intelligence can amplify its benefits in patient care. Encourage colleagues to practice EI by sharing techniques and experiences. A culture that prioritizes emotional intelligence can lead to improved teamwork, reduced stress, and better patient outcomes. When the entire care team values and practices emotional intelligence, the quality of patient care is significantly enhanced.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can enhance patient care through emotional intelligence.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assessing EI

2 Active Listening

3 Empathy in Action

4 Managing Emotions

5 Emotional Coaching

6 Cultivating EI Culture

7 Here’s what else to consider

Working with Physicians

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Here's how you can enhance patient care through emotional intelligence.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assessing EI

2 Active Listening

3 Empathy in Action

4 Managing Emotions

5 Emotional Coaching

6 Cultivating EI Culture

7 Here’s what else to consider

Working with Physicians

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