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Living with and dying from cancer: a humanities special study module
Medical Humanities
|May 15, 2013
Summary
This study details a humanities-based special studies module (SSM) using arts to explore cancer's impact on patients, families, and professionals, offering valuable vicarious experience for medical students.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Medical Humanities
Background:
- The impact of cancer affects patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
- Traditional medical education often lacks focus on the patient experience and emotional impact of illness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a humanities-based special studies module (SSM) for third-year medical undergraduates.
- To explore the multifaceted impact of cancer through various artistic mediums.
Main Methods:
- Utilized literature, film, art, and drama to provide vicarious experiences.
- Developed, delivered, and evaluated a humanities-based course.
- Focused on course organization elements crucial for success.
Main Results:
- The module proved highly acceptable to both students and tutors.
- The humanities approach facilitated a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives on cancer.
- Key organizational elements were identified as integral to the course's success.
Conclusions:
- Humanities-based modules can effectively enhance medical education by exploring the humanistic aspects of cancer.
- Vicarious experience through arts is a valuable pedagogical tool for medical students.
- Successful course design requires attention to specific organizational factors.
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