Applying art observation skills to standardized patients

In this interprofessional education Art Applications Workshop, 104 medicine, nursing and psychology students apply skills developed through visual arts observations that enhance students' collaboration, communication, and observational skills to standardized patient encounters. Students observe two-dimensional images, write case reports on the paintings' subjects, and apply principles to complete assessment notes on standardized patients. This descriptive paper's goal is to disseminate this interprofessional curriculum and share experiences in implementing this workshop.

Visual arts education in healthcare programs expand students' visual, tactile and oral expression, especially in collaborative team settings.

In session 1, student teams analyze paintings and learn visual assessment techniques. In session 2, student teams observe paintings in a museum setting and write observations in case notes. In session 3, student teams apply visual assessment techniques to standardized patient interviews, write patient histories, assessment notes, and finally, complete post-survey self-evaluations.

In the standardized patient assessment 73% of students made accurate diagnosis with supporting evidence in patient histories and notes. In post-survey results, 91% of students agreed/strongly agreed they improved their visual observation skills, 92% agreed/strongly agreed they improved their communication skills in listening and encouraging the ideas and opinions of other team members, 91% agreed/strongly agreed they are more confident in communicating with students from different disciplines, and 97% agreed/strongly agreed they are more confident in collaborating with students from different disciplines.

This Workshop demonstrates enhanced self-reported perceptions of collaboration, observation, and communication skills in case notes and standardized patient assessment notes.