DISEASE to EASE: Paradigm shift in clinical approach

Abstract

The high demands of contemporary medical practice have minimized the patient–physician contact with less or no time for Empathy. Unconsciously, our mind is set to focus on “disease” and often patients are referred as “cases.” Where there is a rising concern of physician fatigue and burn out, there is equal concern of losing the component of “being humane” in the busy era of modern medical practices. The inability to connect with the patients has increased physician’s susceptibility to burn out and dissatisfaction on the part of patient and physician.

We propose Empathy based innovative concept “EASE” that envision patient-centered approach instead of disease-centered approach to ensure healthcare delivery in a humane, meaningful way to foster patient-physician relation. High Empathy is associated with low physician burnout and is a key driver for patient satisfaction. Health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease. EASE based approach is a sequential, comprehensive approach that encompasses all elements of human health to be incorporated in patient’s encounter in the order:

• E Empathy & Emergent care

• A Ailment

• S Supportive Care & Social needs

• E Emotional wellbeing & Patient Education

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge Charles Barsano, MD PhD and Edgar Davila, MD for their support and guidance.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mahwash F. Siddiqui

Mahwash F. Siddiqui, MBBS, MD, is an Internal Medicine PGY-3 Resident and Co-Chief Resident at Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, USA.

Maha P. Iqbal

Maha Pervaz Iqbal, MBBS, MMed(Dundee), PhD (UNSW), is an Associate Lecturer at School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Australia.

Shoib Ghayas

Shoib Ghayas, MBBS, is GP Registrar under Severn Post graduate Medical Education (PGME) School of Primary Care, Health Education England NHS, United Kingdom.