Complementary Approaches, Stress Management Practices for Future Physicians, a Way to Cultivate a “Savoir-Être” and Contribute to Becoming a Better Physician?

Abstract

Purpose: Awakening the "Sensible" Being (ASB), a complementary approach, is a formative practice that examines how use and movement of the body allow for the development of one's awareness, sense of self and of others, which are desirable qualities for healthcare professionals. Our goal was to explore if and how ASB training followed by healthcare practitioners modifies the quality of their self-awareness, their presence to others, as well as their relationship with respect to health and their medical practice. Methods: Qualitative research based on two types of semi-structured interviews (comprehensive and elicitation) conducted with six physicians from France having completed their ASB training (500 hours over 4 years). The content of the interviews was first analyzed thematically then grouped into categories linked by items and sub-items. Results: A summary of the results is presented in relation to transformation in both the personal and professional spheres of physicians. Thereafter, we describe the identity-transforming effects of education creating favorable conditions for the emergence of a quality of "savoir-être". We then discuss the relevance and necessity of "savoir-être" both in the learning path of future physician and in medical practice. Conclusion: We conclude with the positive impacts of this learning: on stress management, a way to cultivate a "savoir-être", an identity construction of the health-promoting professional and the need for an ethical posture enriched by a new perspective. It seems that ASB training is ideal for building the artistic part of the medical profession.