Abstract
The role of art in medicine is complex, varied and uncertain. To examine one aspect of the relationship between art and medicine, investigators analysed the interactions between a professional artist and five adult patients with head and neck cancer as they cocreated portraits in a clinical setting. The artist and four members of an interdisciplinary team analysed the portraits as well as journal entries, transcripts of portrait sessions and semistructured interviews. Over the course of 5 months, 24 artworks evolved from sittings that allowed both the patients and the artist to collaborate around stories of illness, suffering and recovery. Using narrative inquiry and qualitative arts-based research techniques five emergent themes were identified: embracing uncertainties; developing trusting relationships; engaging in reflective practices; creating shared stories; and empowerment. Similar themes are found in successful physician–patient relationships. This paper will discuss these findings and potential implications for healthcare and medical education.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 57-62 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Medical Humanities |
Volume | 42 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2016 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine
- Philosophy