Emotional intelligence and patient-centred care

Abstract

SUMMARYThe principles of patient-centred care are increasingly stressed as part of health care policy and practice. Explanations for why some practitioners seem more successful in achieving patient-centred care vary, but a possible role for individual differences in personality has been postulated. One of these, emotional intelligence (EI), is increasingly referred to in health care literature. This paper reviews the literature on EI in health care and poses a series of questions about the links between EI and patientcentred outcomes.Papers concerning empirical examinations of EI in a variety of settings were identified to determine the evidence base for its increasing popularity. The review suggests that a substantial amount of further research is required before the value of EI as a useful concept can be substantiated.

Leading Transformation in Healthcare and the Role of Emotional Intelligence

“…Some have been more transactional and results driven, which has led to employees feeling pressured and disturbed about the changes that were taking place and, more often than not, being emotionally unstable or stressed as a result of the changes at that juncture. The link between EI and patient-centered outcomes has been explored by Birks and Watt [1].…”

“…Birks and Watt [1] state that studies have begun to examine relationships between EI and stress and burnout in individuals, and that such problems occur within the context of the health care organisations. A wider approach to this arena may need to look closer and examine the organisational culture in which health care is delivered and, whether an organisation can operate in an emotionally intelligent way in order to reduce stress and burnout of healthcare givers.…”

“…Birks and Watt [1] argue that there was no definitive evidence linking Emotional Intelligence to organisational performance. I disagree with this argument.…”

The Graduating European Dentist—Domain III: Patient‐Centred Care

“…The ability to read and manage emotions is therefore considered to be an important skill for any healthcare professional (Birks & Watt 2007). …”

http://healthcare-communications.imedpub.com/diversity-poster-and-presentation-blending-diversity-scholarship-and-evidence-based-practice-into-scholarly-work-for-nurse-practit.php?aid=20021

“…The didactic portion focused on the theoretical or scientific perspective related to nursing care of the patient; designated course faculty taught in the didactic portion of the course, and were responsible for the coordination of all other components, including the patient care and nursing skills lab activities [6][7][8][9]. The clinical portion was accomplished in two settings: Four hours of direct patient care in a transitional care or long term care setting, and two hours in the nursing skills lab on the campus.…”