Transformation and representation in the clinical space

Abstract

So a lot has transpired in the world. These last few years have highlighted the ways in which Black and Brown bodies are historically underrepresented, misunderstood and dismissed. As two Black Caribbean clinicians, we worked with various Black Caribbean people in an acute care setting over five years; this article focuses on how representation impacted their care. Black and Brown people often receive inadequate care, care that does not speak to the wholeness of their humanity. We sought to create a methodology that represented our patients’ cultural identities and allowed them to feel seen. We did this by transforming the clinical space into a culturally relevant play space and explored adaptive social skills in preparation for community reintegration and to build ego strength through creative reflection. This work breathed life into us as we explored what it means to be seen in an oppressive system.