A Medical Humanities Roadshow: ‘Spreading the Word’

Abstract

This paper, written jointly by a physiotherapist and a non-physiotherapist, describes a touring Medical Humanities Roadshow (Scotland and Ireland). Medical humanities is an approach using literary texts on medical subjects to stimulate discussion among health professionals. The aim of the roadshow was to spread this approach beyond an established group in Glasgow and to assess the effectiveness of the roadshow as a method of doing this. We provide an outline of a medical humanities discussion, for those who may be interested in trying out this approach. Responses to medical humanities at the different venues are summarised; all were positive and enthusiastic. All participants found their first experience of medical humanities stimulating and enjoyable. Physiotherapists in education considered medical humanities in the undergraduate curriculum, or for personal reading, or for in-service education. Specific applications of medical humanities in physiotherapy are suggested. The question of who should lead the group — physiotherapist or literary expert — is also considered, from the point of view of both authors. In conclusion, this paper argues that there is interest in medical humanities across a variety of locations and institutions; the next challenge will be to assess how it affects practice. This paper, written jointly by a physiotherapist and a non-physiotherapist, describes a touring Medical Humanities Roadshow (Scotland and Ireland). Medical humanities is an approach using literary texts on medical subjects to stimulate discussion among health professionals. The aim of the roadshow was to spread this approach beyond an established group in Glasgow and to assess the effectiveness of the roadshow as a method of doing this. We provide an outline of a medical humanities discussion, for those who may be interested in trying out this approach. Responses to medical humanities at the different venues are summarised; all were positive and enthusiastic. All participants found their first experience of medical humanities stimulating and enjoyable. Physiotherapists in education considered medical humanities in the undergraduate curriculum, or for personal reading, or for in-service education. Specific applications of medical humanities in physiotherapy are suggested. The question of who should lead the group — physiotherapist or literary expert — is also considered, from the point of view of both authors. In conclusion, this paper argues that there is interest in medical humanities across a variety of locations and institutions; the next challenge will be to assess how it affects practice.