Leading with heart: Why primary care depends on compassion

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a report on the role of compassion in primary care. Compassion in Primary Health Care: Evidence and Implementation highlights the critical role compassion plays in improving patient outcomes, provider well-being and health system effectiveness.

Compassionate care goes beyond clinical expertise—it builds trust, strengthens relationships and enhances the patient experience. The report underscores that compassionate interactions lead to improved adherence to treatment plans, reduced patient distress and better health outcomes.

Doctors are healthcare leaders, and leadership depends on trust. When patients trust their doctors, they’re more likely to accept advice and engage in their own care. A compassionate approach strengthens that trust, making our health system work better for everyone.

For family doctors, this reinforces what we already know: listening, showing empathy, and building trust with patients leads to better care. But in a system under pressure, finding time for compassionate care can be tough. The report offers some strategies:

• Make space for meaningful interactions – Even small moments of connection can have a lasting impact.
• Support doctors and teams – Compassion in health care should also apply to providers to help prevent burnout.
• Advocate for system changes – Family doctors need the time and resources to provide the care patients deserve.

At BC Family Doctors, we continue to advocate for a system that supports our members in delivering compassionate, patient-centred care. Compassion isn’t an extra—it’s essential to good health care.

Read the full report here.