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Art and humanities in medicine - review

 


             Clinical scenarios where this may be of vital importance is where pain is considered. Experience of pain is an integrated outcome of 3 different factors:.
            
             • Physiology.
            
             • Psychology.
            
             • Social and cultural influence.
             In order for a physician to successfully manage pain, he or she should be able to comprehend the quality as well as the quantitative measures of pain. Calman's paper illustrates the value of literature and art in visualising and communicating the "feeling" of pain. .
             We are moving towards developing an alliance with rather than dominance over the patient. A doctor is expected "not only to have the requisite clinical skills, knowledge and experience, but also can appreciate each patient as an individual human being with thoughts and feelings, and can understand and help explain illness and suffering.".
             Calman points out that many doctors are already involved in creative activities outside their professional lives, hence the introduction of art and humanities would not only be welcoming change but also would greatly improve the patient doctor relationship.
             Lazarus et al (2003) have given an account of a trial SSM module that has been integrated as part of the undergraduate medical curriculum. The primary objective of the module "is to enhance student's knowledge and understanding of people's experiences and emotions in relation to health and sickness by the study of arts." The students were encouraged to develop awareness in to human response and behaviour; to help them not only with the patients but also their relationship with other professionals whom they would seek help or advice from.
             Lazarus et al. found that the students who were already committed to at least one arts and humanities in their private time, whether it be writing poetry or playing music, had a great interest in the module. The module was found to be popular among those who wanted a gateway in to the arts and humanities world as well.


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