Off-Script, Online: Virtual Medical Improv Pilot Program for Enhancing Well-being and Clinical Skills among...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Psychiatry Training
• Experiential Learning

Background:

• Clinical practice requires adaptable communication and teamwork skills.
• Medical improv applies improvisational theater techniques to healthcare education.
• Psychiatry Education through Play and Talk (PEP Talks) is a novel program for psychiatry residents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a virtual medical improv program (PEP Talks) on psychiatry residents.
• To enhance residents' communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, well-being, and self-reflection.
• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of virtual delivery for medical improv.

Main Methods:

• The PEP Talks program was delivered virtually to psychiatry residents in spring 2021.
• A mixed-methods approach using surveys, recorded debriefings, and a focus group was employed.
• The Context-Input-Process-Product (CIPP) evaluation model guided the assessment.

Main Results:

• Participants reported enhanced well-being, reflective capacity, and communication skills.
• Qualitative analysis revealed connections between PEP Talks and personal/clinical growth.
• Key contributing factors included joy, community building, personal discovery, and virtual engagement.

Conclusions:

• Virtual medical improv (PEP Talks) is an innovative pedagogical approach for psychiatry residency.
• It effectively addresses challenges in training communication, collaboration, and reflective practice.
• The program offers a unique solution for resident well-being and connection in remote learning environments.