The Article in Brief

Background: Doctors often believe they are not supposed to show emotions to patients, yet many patients want a doctor who cares. This study explored how doctors can use their emotions and personal experiences to best serve patients. Participants in the study were family doctors, sociologists, and a psychologist.
What This Study Found: Under certain conditions, doctors’ emotions and personal experiences can help patients. This includes a spontaneous, unplanned show of emotion by the doctor as well as a conscious decision by the doctor to share a personal experience. Doctors in the study consider sharing of emotions and experiences to be exceptions to their usual interactions with patients.
Implications:
• Personal sharing by a doctor has the potential to benefit patients.
• The findings of this study can be a springboard for exploration of the following areas:
- Do patients feel they benefit from personal sharing by their doctors?
- Under what circumstances?
- How can doctors share personal information in ways that are responsible and responsive?