Table 2.

Examples of Compassion

Clinician: One of my jobs here, while we are getting the chance to know each other, however long that time is, is to help make sure all of your energies and all your fight is going in the direction you want them to go in. As your doctor, I am here for you. From what you told me, I know your struggle has been hard and I want to help in whatever way I can for you.

Loved One: But, there is going to be a day when she says, “It's enough,” but, we will wait (starts crying).

Clinician: We will walk along with you for however long that is—and along the way, our job is that we are attentive to your comfort as well as hers.

Clinician: I wish I could tell you there was more that we could do. But, he's still very much here and we are very much here to do as much as we can to make sure he stays as peaceful and comfortable as possible.

Loved One: OK.

Clinician: We are also here for you all—sometimes that might mean answering questions—this is not something people go through every day—we understand if you don't know what to expect. But, we are here to try and help out. Anytime you have a question, I want you to ask me.

Clinician: Anxiety or depression ever been a problem for you in the past?

Patient: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Clinician: How's it now?

Patient: It is better; I mean earlier I was crying.

Clinician: You have a lot on your plate.

Patient: Yeah (crying).

Clinician: Other things that you've found helpful for that?

Patient: (sobs) Huh?

Clinician: Other things that you have found help for some of the sadness or some of the nerves?

Patient: (crying still) No. I just thought I was getting better.

Clinician: What are some of the things you are hoping to do?

Patient: Get the pain under control so I could go shopping and stuff.

Clinician: OK.

Patient: I want to see my son—I don't want my son to see my on the couch all the time. He's got anxiety, he's got disabilities, he's got behavioral problems.

Clinician: So, getting the pain better so you can move around a bit and appear more comfortable for your son is one thing to hope for.

Patient: Yeah.