Supportive Patient-Practitioner Relationships May Benefit Patients

According to a recent clinical trial it seems that a practitioner has the ability to boost  symptom alleviation in patients through positive clinical interactions. Participants in this recent study had irritable bowel syndrome. Those who received a placebo (here, simulated acupuncture) had some improvements in their symptoms.  However,  those who received the placebo plus  supportive interactions with the practitioners received even greater improvement. The supportive interactions included detailed questions, expressions of empathy and focused listening. 

A recent posting in this blog, A Mother’s Love, also studied the effects of empathy and focusing on people in need.