[Empathy is lifelong learning]. / Empatia on elinikäistä oppimista.

ABSTRACT

Empathy is often understood as a native feature, even though it involves cognitive components that can be learned. The first, instinctive component is the physician's ability to understand the experience and emotional state of the patient, the second one is the transmission of this understanding to the patient, the third one being the utilization of the obtained information to treat the patient. Empathy is a tool for the physician and a promoter of employee well-being. While understanding the emotional response of both the physician and the patient will help the former in her/his work for the good of the patient, this tool should be practiced deliberately.