Empathy-Based Ethics: A Way to Practice Humane Medicine

Jeffrey, David Ian

This book explores a new way of applying clinical ethics. Empathy-based ethics is based on the patient–doctor relationship and seeks to encourage a more humane form of medical practice. The author argues that the current emphasis on the biomedical model of medicine and a detached concern form of professionalism have damaged the patient–doctor relationship. He investigates examples of the dehumanization of patients and demonstrates a contrasting view of humane care. The book presents empathy as a relational construct - it provides an in-depth analysis of the process of empathizing. It discusses an empathy-based ethics approach underpinned by clinical examples of the practical application of this new approach. It suggests how empathy-based ethics can be embedded in clinical practice, medical education and research. The book concludes by examining the challenges in implementing such an approach and looks to a future which redresses the current imbalance between biomedical and psychosocial approaches to medicine.

Details

Published by: Palgrave Macmillan

Publication Date: 2021-01-06

Format: Hardcover

ISBN-13: 9783030648039

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-64804-6

Dimensions: 210cm x148cm

Pages: 150