Abstract art and narrative promotes reflection

A multinational faculty development workshop, attended by 23 family physicians/ trainees, has concluded that the combined use of abstract paintings and narratives improves reflective capacity in medical educators. Analysis found that it helped access feelings; that viewing abstract paintings facilitated next steps; writing reflective narratives promoted examination of educational challenges, compassion for self and other, and building an action plan; and sharing of narrative was helpful for fostering active listening and appreciating multiple perspectives.

Reference: The use of abstract paintings and narratives to foster reflective capacity in medical educators: a multinational faculty development workshop — Karkabi et al. Med Humanities 2014;40:44-48 doi:10.1136/medhum-2013-010378