Empathy and compassion are key in terms of protecting patient outcomes. In my experience these complement rather than detract from objective decision making. If you are hearing the patient & taking their voice properly into account I.e (Is the patient and their wishes at the centre of all care decisions?) - then proper informed decisions will always be made! Some key questions to keep front of mind are: Is the patient well informed? Have you given them the full & honest picture? Are they of sound mind? Do they know what they want and do they fully understand the treatment options available to them? Do they understand the impact of these treatment options? Have you had the hard conversations? Remember it is their life & body - not yours.

Balancing empathy and objectivity in patient advocacy is crucial, as it ensures that the patient’s needs are met while making informed, unbiased decisions. Empathy allows advocates to connect with patients on a personal level, understanding their emotional, physical, and psychological needs. However, maintaining objectivity is just as important to ensure decisions are made based on facts, medical evidence, and the patient’s best interests, rather than being swayed by emotions or personal biases. By combining both, advocates can support patients in navigating complex healthcare systems while ensuring they receive the most appropriate care and respect for their autonomy.

For me, the key is active listening—truly understanding a patient’s concerns without letting emotions cloud judgment. Setting boundaries also helps; advocating effectively doesn’t mean absorbing all the emotional weight. Lastly, relying on evidence-based approaches ensures that decisions are not just compassionate but also practical and effective. It’s all about finding that middle ground—being deeply compassionate while staying clear-headed

Empathy builds trust and deepens understanding, but without objectivity, decisions can become reactive. The key is integrating both: - Emotional Intelligence + Data: Acknowledge patients’ struggles while using evidence-based insights to guide decisions. - Boundaries as Advocacy: Protecting our well-being ensures sustainable advocacy. - Collaboration: Multidisciplinary input balances emotion with structure. Empathy fuels the mission whilst objectivity drives impact.

Listen with Compassion: Acknowledge patient concerns while maintaining professional boundaries. Rely on Evidence-Based Decisions: Use clinical data and guidelines to support recommendations. Communicate Transparently: Set realistic expectations while showing empathy. Involve a Multidisciplinary Team: Collaborate with specialists for well-rounded perspectives. Stay Objective Under Pressure: Prioritize patient well-being without letting emotions cloud judgment.

Base your decisions on the best available evidence while remaining sensitive to the patient's unique circumstances. This approach integrates objectivity while still honoring individual patient stories.