Empathy and Support: How Healthcare Professionals Can Help Patients Through the Emotional Rollercoaster of Surgery
Going into surgery can be an emotionally charged experience for many people. The loss of control, the loss of feeling safe, and the fight or flight response can make the situation extremely challenging to deal with. If you are a healthcare professional, you may find it difficult to navigate this heightened state of emotion in your patients.
While it's essential to provide the best care possible, it's equally important to help your patients feel calm, safe, and supported.
One thing to keep in mind is that telling people how to feel or that everything will be okay is not always helpful. Instead, it's important to acknowledge their emotions and provide support in a non-judgmental way.
Here are some things you can say to help patients in a heightened state of emotion before surgery:
"It's normal to feel scared or anxious before a surgery. You are not alone."
"I'm here for you, and we'll do everything we can to make you feel comfortable and safe."
"Tell me how you're feeling. I'm here to listen."
"It's okay to ask questions or express any concerns you may have. We want you to feel informed and in control."
"We have a lot of experience and a great team here. We'll take good care of you."
"Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable? Would you like a warm blanket or a pillow?"
"We will be with you every step of the way. You are in good hands."
"You're doing great, and we're almost there. Just a few more minutes."
"We're going to take good care of you. Just relax and breathe deeply."
"We understand that this can be a scary experience, but we're here to support you through it."
By using these phrases, you can help your patients feel supported and safe during a stressful time. Remember to be empathetic, listen actively, and show that you care. With the right approach, you can help your patients feel more in control of their emotions and have a more positive experience before their surgery.
About Paul
Paul is an Emotional Vulnerability Coach, working with students, teenagers and adults, helping them build sustainable mental wellness and learning the tools to be emotionally vulnerable, learning how to heal grieving hearts and lighten the weight that loss can have on us throughout life. You can find out more about Paul here.