As an RN, I have A LOT to say about this video.

1. Dehumanization is a lot like racism. When you call out uncaring behaviour, the provider often doesn't see their error. Empathy requires openness, invitational presence & the ability to recognize biases.

Because...

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2. Empathy is a complex clinical skill that is eroded by many #healthcare systems, unsafe (toxic) environments & some personal attitudes. #PatientsAreNotFaking is right that we have an empathy problem in #healthcare, and the problem is only growing.

Yet...

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3. Empathy remains the secret sauce of #nursing and #medicine. There is deep truth in acknowledging other's perspectives. Empathy enhances information accuracy and reduces bias, which in turn makes for highly effective #healthcare.

As for this video...

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4. This video is racist. Pain behaviours vary by culture, and people from expressive cultures share their pain more openly. Expressive pain behaviours also reduce pain, increasing the control people have over pain (compared to the Western ideal of stoicism).

And...

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5. It is MUCH more likely that the patient mocked in this video was not faking but catastrophizing. Catastrophization is a sign of symptom distress The cure is comfort and support, not judgement nor shame.

So...

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6. Although the maker of this video is thankfully not a nurse, I know many #nurses who must overcome attitudes like this to advocate for patients & remain present with them in crisis.

And, people like me are tired of hearing about adverse patient experiences. So...

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7. After watching this video, I will remain on my soap box. Empathy skills are critical to a high-functioning #healthcare system.

Please feel free to join me to build kind & caring nurses.

Open-source tools here:
https://consortiacare.ca/counselling/empathy-training/introducing-rapid-response-empathy-a-standardized-evidence-based-brief-empathy-method/

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