Theater-Based Program for Collective Healing Among Asian American Health Care Professionals

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Medical Sociology
• Cultural Competency Training

Background:

• Limited research exists on the unique challenges faced by Asian American health care professionals and trainees.
• Cultural dilemmas, stereotypes, and racial trauma significantly impact this demographic.
• Interactive theater interventions are understudied for collective healing and addressing professional challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and impacts of the "Acting Together" webinar series.
• To promote therapeutic healing and skill-building among Asian American health care professionals and trainees.
• To address cultural dilemmas and biases at individual, interpersonal, and systemic levels.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods qualitative study design was employed.
• The "Acting Together" webinar series utilized improvisational exercises, interactive skits, and panel discussions.
• Participants were health care trainees recruited nationally; pre- and post-webinar surveys and focus groups were used for data collection.

Main Results:

• The "Acting Together" program was highly acceptable and feasible, with 94% finding it fit existing work and 92.5% recommending it.
• Significant improvements were observed in self-perceived wellness (13.8%), communication (13.2%), and confidence (11.2%).
• 71.6% of participants reported improved competency in recognizing and addressing implicit biases, with qualitative themes including psychological safety and community solidarity.

Conclusions:

• Interactive theater-based webinars, like "Acting Together," are a promising educational approach.
• The intervention demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing skills and confidence for addressing cultural dilemmas and implicit bias.
• This approach supports Asian American health care professionals and trainees in navigating workplace challenges.