Can the arts enhance postgraduate GP training?

Abstract

The value of arts based medical education is becoming increasingly well established in undergraduate curricula. However, little is known about its value, and acceptability, to qualified doctors undertaking postgraduate training. In this work we examined GP trainees' views on whether arts based education was useful for their professional development and, if so, what they perceived its value to be. All first and second year GP trainees on the Dorset Vocational Training Scheme attended a one day course which showcased how the arts (film, poetry, painting, photography, theatre) could enhance their professional development as doctors. GP trainees rated the day as interesting, enjoyable and thought proving. The majority felt that the arts could contribute to making them more competent and humane doctors'. Following this, we ran a mandatory six months arts based course for six GP trainees, and evaluated their feedback through qualitative analysis of a focus group discussion. Overall, GP trainees found the course enjoyable and valuable to their learning. It not only gave them a deeper appreciation of the patient's perspective, but also encouraged them to think about their own health and wellbeing.

Art Interventions to Mitigate Burnout in Health Care Professionals: A Systematic Review

“…Another 2 studies had qualitative elements enquiring into empathy. 30,38 For measurement of empathy generation 5 studies used quantitative measures of empathy including the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy, 24,30,39 the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, 25 and an unvalidated Likert scale measure. 33 Overall, studies assessing empathy with validated scales did not see any significant improvements in empathy following the interventions, but qualitative themes reflected improvement in empathy toward patients and peers.…”

Students’ Multilevel Artistic and Pedagogical Communication Mastering

“…A number of studies focus on the use of theater play skills in training healthcare professionals: postgraduate GP trainees (Forde et al, 2020), physical therapy students (Dennis, Parry, Miolin, Mercer, & Furness, 2019), dental undergraduate students (Himida et al, 2019), undergraduate pharmacy students (Jacob et al, 2019), pediatric students (Neilson & Reeves, 2019), nursing students (Webster, 2019).…”

The unsung importance of art and creativity

“…Much of the literature on burnout seems to focus on mindfulness, being active, eating well, or more recently developing “meaningful professional interests,”2 which are of course aspects that I fully support. But for many, arts and creativity are also routes to improved wellbeing and even continued professional development 3. There is little evidence to support how art and creativity can be a real support to medical staff specifically, but there is a growing evidence base that they are a route towards reducing stress in the wider population 4…”