Exploring the Value of Improvisational Theater in Medical Education for Advancing the Doctor-Patient Relationship and Health Equity.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Health care inequities persist, and it is difficult to teach health professions students effectively about implicit bias, structural inequities, and caring for patients from underrepresented or minoritized backgrounds. Improvisational theater (improv), where performers create everything in a spontaneous and unplanned manner, may help teach health professions trainees about advancing health equity. Core improv skills, discussion, and self-reflection can help improve communication; build trustworthy relationships with patients; and address bias, racism, oppressive systems, and structural inequities.

Method

Authors integrated a 90-minute virtual improv workshop using basic exercises into a required course for first-year medical students at University of Chicago in 2020.

SUBMITTER: Rusiecki JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10286128 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature