Masterclass to highlight transformative impact of empathy on vulnerable patients

Professionals will learn how to break down barriers which prevent vulnerable patients from accessing healthcare at a masterclass delivered by a leading empathic healthcare expert.

Dr Andy Ward is an Associate Professor of Medical Education and Honorary Senior Academic GP at the University of Leicester. He is also Director of Education and Training at the pioneering Stoneygate Centre for Empathic Healthcare who has spent decades helping medical students and healthcare professionals develop strong empathy skills.

At this year’s Global Empathy in Healthcare Network Symposium: ‘Rehumanising Healthcare in a Divided World’ he will deliver a masterclass on ‘Empathy on the Margins: Breaking down barriers in inclusion healthcare’.

Dr Ward said: “There are many groups in our societies who find it challenging to access healthcare as they frequently encounter barriers such as stigma and a lack of empathy from healthcare professionals.

“This includes people experiencing homelessness and addiction, individuals involved in the justice system and those who have a vulnerable migration status or are involved in sex work.

“Our masterclass participants will learn about the impact these barriers have on access to care and health outcomes and they will develop practical strategies to foster more compassionate, effective care.”

The interactive workshop will also feature first hand accounts from people who have experienced homelessness and the asylum process. 

The Global Empathy in Healthcare Network Symposium is expected to attract healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, and advocates from around the world to Leicester on 15 and 16 September.

Through keynote presentations, workshops, and collaborative discussions, attendees will explore practical strategies for integrating empathy into digital platforms, overcoming barriers to human connection, and addressing the challenges posed by an often impersonal, tech-driven healthcare environment.

Empathic healthcare experts are invited to put together poster and abstract submissions for the event to showcase their work on the international stage.

The deadline for abstract submissions for posters and oral presentations relating to the themes of Teaching, Research, Policy, or integrated topics spanning these three areas has been extended to Wednesday, 16 April.
 

Proposals are also welcome for interactive educational workshops on subjects such as research methods, teaching techniques, policy and practice issues or other skill development topics.

To find out more about the symposium and for bookings, visit https://www.global-empathy-in-healthcare.com/events/rehumanising-healthcare-in-a-divided-world