Honing Your Bedside Manner: The Power of Compassion

Author: Ally Wolf, MSW
Editor: Brentsen Wolf, PharmD

In the realm of healthcare, the impact of a good bedside manner extends far beyond mere courtesy—it plays a pivotal role in shaping patient outcomes. Even if you aren’t providing strictly “bed-side” care, bedside manner is a broad term for how a healthcare provider interacts with their patients. Research underscores that a doctor's approach and demeanor significantly influences patient satisfaction and treatment effectiveness. For many individuals, bedside manner can remove or create a psychological barrier to seeking healthcare.

As a therapist, I have many conversations with clients about how mental health and physical health walk hand-in-hand. One of my roles is to suss out barriers to a person’s health and well-being and empower them to jump those hurdles. We are familiar with typical barriers to treatment: financial hardships, transportation, or even lack of knowledge. However, a surprising amount of clients communicate that the reason they have not sought help or have discontinued care against medical advice for a severe issue is because of a bad prior experience with a healthcare provider. “I didn’t feel listened to, they were cold and dismissive.” “They didn’t even care, I was just a number to them.” “They acted like I bothered them with my problems.” You can be the smartest, most creative, and even most experienced professional in your field, BUT if your patients don't trust you, they aren't going to listen to you.

Why Bedside Manner Matters

Studies have shown that patients who perceive their doctors as empathetic and communicative are more likely to comply with medical advice and experience better health outcomes. For instance, a study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine revealed that patients of doctors with higher empathy scores had better control of their diabetes and lower cholesterol levels. A patient who can develop trust and rapport with their provider is much more likely to come forward with any adverse events from therapy which leads to enhanced therapeutic compliance and patient outcomes.

Beyond individual patient benefits, good bedside manner contributes to a positive healthcare environment. Hospitals and medical centers that prioritize patient-centered care tend to have higher patient satisfaction scores and improved staff morale to keep that dreaded provider burnout at bay. A study by the Journal of Hospital Medicine found that hospitals with higher patient satisfaction ratings also had lower readmission rates and better clinical outcomes overall.

Tips for Improving Bedside Manner

For some, an immaculate bedside manner comes naturally. For others, it takes quite a bit of mindfulness and practice. Here are some things for you to draw a little extra attention to when brushing up on your clinical skills:

1. Listen Actively: Take the time to listen attentively to your patients without interrupting. Show genuine interest in their concerns and validate their feelings. This simple act can foster trust and improve patient satisfaction.
2. Communicate Clearly: Use plain language to explain medical conditions, treatment options, and procedures. Avoid medical jargon and check for patient understanding by asking them to summarize what you've discussed. Don’t assume anything about a patient’s knowledge of a subject, just ask them!
3. Show Empathy: Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another person. Acknowledge your patient's emotions and demonstrate empathy by expressing concern and offering support. It’s okay to feel with your patients; most don’t want to be treated by heartless robots. 
4. Respect Cultural Differences: Be mindful of cultural differences in communication styles, beliefs about health and illness, and preferences for decision-making. Respect cultural practices and adapt your approach accordingly. 
5. Involve Patients in Decision-Making: Collaborate with your patients when developing treatment plans. Discuss options, explain the pros and cons, and consider their preferences and values. Shared decision-making enhances patient satisfaction and improves treatment adherence.
6. Maintain Eye Contact and Body Language: Non-verbal cues such as eye contact, facial expressions, and body posture can convey attentiveness and empathy. Maintain a welcoming and open demeanor during interactions with patients. How you position your body in the room can greatly influence the patient’s ease. Bring yourself to the patient’s level if possible, and be mindful of what your face may be communicating (R.B.F. be gone!). It sounds a little silly, but practicing clinical interactions in the mirror can be very helpful.
7. Follow-Up: When possible and/or appropriate, demonstrate continuity of care by following up with your patients after appointments, procedures, or hospitalizations. Show that you are invested in their well-being and provide opportunities for them to ask questions or voice concerns. 
8. Practice Self-Care: Set aside dedicated time and energy to “refill your cup”. If you are walking into the room annoyed, overwhelmed, and irritable, your patients will be able to feel that and may take it personally even if it has nothing to do with them. Come to work feeling recharged and ready to tackle the day’s challenges. Learn what coping skills work best for you. Healthcare workers have such demanding jobs, so taking time to care for yourself is essential.

In essence, the impact of a good bedside manner transcends the immediate doctor-patient interaction—it influences patient adherence to treatment plans, supports faster recovery times, and enhances overall healthcare quality. By fostering empathy, communication, and trust, healthcare providers not only improve patient experiences but also contribute to a more effective and compassionate healthcare system.

With a bit of effort and experience, you’ll have your bedside skills dialed in and you'll be an even better provider for it.

Author Bio: Ally is a Children's Trauma Therapist for a nonprofit therapy agency in Southern Illinois. She received her Bachelor of Social Work from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, her Masters of Social Work with an emphasis in Medical Social Work from Aurora University, and is currently pursuing her Clinical Licensure. Ally has a background in empowering survivors of domestic violence, foster care case management, and psychiatric hospital patient care. Outside of her professional pursuits, Ally enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband, and pets. 

*Information presented on RxTeach does not represent the opinion of any specific company, organization, or team other than the authors themselves. No patient-provider relationship is created.