|
|
Post by bfrett on Mar 1, 2016 19:07:30 GMT
I have often heard from other EMT's that EMT training fails to address how to talk to your patient like they are an actual person. I have heard people mention EMT work as working with a "slab of meat" and following a protocol instead of really connecting to the patient. Do you think EMT protocol has improved in terms of creating a sense of empathy for patients? Do you think EMT training as it is right now is efficient? Or you do you think EMT's should receive more training in patient care and patient empathy?
|
|
|
|
Post by kathleenedgin on Mar 1, 2016 19:57:26 GMT
I think that empathy is something that is difficult to teach. In my honest opinion, it is something that one comes across naturally or by emulating someone you respect who shows empathy.
I know that sometimes when we are treating patients it is hard to connect with them while trying to figure out all that is wrong with them. I don't think it is a matter of protocols or training that bring out a person's ability to show empathy. I truly think it is more about showing the patient that you care, which shows empathy. For example, we don't want to transport our patients outside in cold weather without some sort of blanket of covering to keep them warm - that shows empathy to the patient. The simple act of placing a blanket on someone shows that you understand about feeling cold.
The best way to connect with a patient is take some time to listen. Don't jump to conclusions and/or think that you know what the person is saying. I think a lot of EMS personnel get tunnel vision in they focus on the problem and what they learned in training that they forget to even talk to the person. A simple conversation and acknowledging their feelings and what they are saying goes a long way in showing a empathy to the patient.
A person can have all the training in a the world to be the best EMT/Paramedic, but until they actually show empathy to the patient, all anyone is going to see is that you are working with a "slab of meat" and not caring about the patient.
I feel that sometimes people do not show empathy by doing even the simplest move one can do - not take the time to talk to the patient and tell them what we are doing. Even if the patient doesn't show it, they are still scared or nervous and may not understand why something is the way it is. We take the time to explain things to children, why don't we take the time to explain things to adults? That to me is the easiest way, besides acknowledging someone's feelings, to show empathy towards a patient.
|
|
|
|
Post by kategetman on Mar 1, 2016 21:18:45 GMT
I think to a certain extent that empathy can be taught. I think it's beneficial in EMT certification classes that the topic is covered to at least have the providers thinking about this type of attitude. In my agency, one of our weekly trainings is to read literature about the emotional side of emergency medicine and the ways in which we as care providers can make patients feel comfortable and in a trustworthy environment. I think this is beneficial! If a patient is more comfortable, and has a connection with their provider, they are more likely to be cooperative and honest.
|
|
lisaj
New Member
Posts: 11 
|
Post by lisaj on Mar 6, 2016 17:59:24 GMT
I am very glad to see that this is a subject that has come up. I agree with one of the prior responses that empathy comes from within an individual and simple gestures such as giving an extra blanket to the patient that you notice is cold as well as a smile to the patient who needs reassurance. However, I believe that good role models make a huge difference in our practices whether we are new in the field and perhaps maybe even to the "seasoned" practioners.
|
|
|
|
Post by jimdale on Mar 6, 2016 18:24:12 GMT
pt. care is mostly all relevant to the situation . you should always treat pt. with good manners. your pt. has a name find out what it is its. not boss , dude, buddy or any other name that doesn't sound un-professional. with pt. care usually get back what you give. yes sometimes no matter how polite we are we are treated badly. this is not taught in ems classes only mentioned. this comes from common sense, the ability to smile when someone is being not so polite to you. so this is a learned skill like all the rest of what we do. maybe some day some of our pt. will treat us like the want to be treated.
|
|
|
|
Post by joevfd on Mar 6, 2016 20:49:11 GMT
It all starts with who is teaching the class ems is something you want to do to begin with if we are out in the field and we are having a bad day no matter what we cant take our problems out on our patients even if they are being rude to us we still have to be professional.
|
|
|
|
Post by kaylawalker on Mar 7, 2016 3:09:39 GMT
I think that empathy is very hard to teach it almost comes down to the type of person you are. I was not taught this in my EMT class it was mentioned in about 2 slides during the entire class so maybe a little more emphasis on the topic could help but it's pretty much common sense if you are rude to the patient they will be rude to you. In most cases the patient is scared or nervous so they look to you for some comfort and support.
|
|
|
|
Post by marknicolettajr on Mar 10, 2016 21:01:08 GMT
I honestly think that you see more empathy out of newer providers rather than experienced providers, in my experiences at least. Newer providers are still fresh and haven't experienced the part of the population that abuses the system or the frequent flyers. Older providers tend to get burnt out and have less patience with their patients and see it as just another call that they need to get over with because they will do another 15 throughout the day
|
|
|
|
Post by jwalts07 on Mar 16, 2016 15:47:58 GMT
I believe having empathy and genuine care for your patient is a must. I also believe it is something you can not teach. I always treat my patients with kindness and respect. This goes for the psych patients the 941 and ETOH patients as well as the little old lady that fell. 99% of the time when a patient is in the vmback of an ambulance they are scared and uncomfortable. Talking to them in a soft kind manner is just a small way we as EMS providers can help make them more comfortable. Being courteous and receptive to what the patient says is so important. And I always keep the mentality when dealing with psych or 941 pts that it's not always their fault. Something is going on that they can not work through and judging them or labling them gets you nowhere. I also feel while you should be empathetic and respectful to your pts that doesn't mean let your guard down or open yourself up for something to go downhill.
|
|
|
|
Post by smahoney on Mar 18, 2016 3:06:15 GMT
you need more time in clinical situations and dealing with patients in very stressful situations before you learn this. Teaching empathy and such sounds like it is easy but you have to see it in action and practice it. You also have to truly have empathy and understanding. Too many people are trying to be heroes instead and bragging about their "Code saves". Its more than code saves in ems, in fact its very little about that.
|
|
|
|
Post by sarahgamblin on Mar 20, 2016 15:02:11 GMT
I think it depends on what instructors you have in your course. For instance, one of my instructors was particularly aware of how EMTs treat patients. Every lesson had a story or message to address how the situation would feel from the patients point of view. Now when I am on call, I try to constantly size up how the situation must feel for the patient. With multiple EMTs, lots of equipment sprawled around and the pain of their emergency, it is a scary situation for the patient. Most of the time, when we show up it is one of the worst days of someone's life. So when a patient is being uncooperative or hostile, I try to remember that while for us it's another day at work, for them it's a moment when they feel completely helpless and vulnerable. As EMTs it's our job to remind them we are there to help them get back on their feet, not to wrest the last bit of their control away from them.
|
|
