A Study of the Use of Art Therapy in Exploring Relationships Between Medical Students and Their Patients

Communication difficulty between patients and medical professionals is an ongoing concern. A significant amount of research emphasizes the importance of medical students' involvement in the arts and humanities, as a way to come to terms with themselves and to better empathize with their patients. The facets of art therapy suggest that it may be helpful in addressing relationships between medical students and their patients. This pilot study aimed to gain understanding about medical student-patient communication and relationships through individually guided art therapy experientials. Third and fourth year students from one medical school were recruited. A modified open studio approach was employed, in which the participants were offered a variety of two dimensional media. Participants were given the directive, "Choose a patient you have treated and create a piece of artwork about that patient using any of these materials." Participants were then asked five brief questions to facilitate discussion as part of a semi-structured audio-taped interview. The data collected consisted of demographic questio1maires, the transcribed interviews, and the artwork. Content analyses and comparison of themes that emerged from the artwork and interviews were performed. Recurring themes included expression of empathy, communication with patients, death and dying, feelings of frustration, and the participants' ability to use the art therapy experience to self-reflect. Overall, the participants' responses also indicated that they would be interested in participating in such an exercise with their patients. They offered a variety of suggestions regarding how such an exercise may be incorporated into the medical school curriculum.