Background: Reports of student mistreatment remain unacceptably high at Duke
University School of Medicine. Addressing the learning environment with
lectures, anonymous reporting and personal coaches has had little effect. The
humanities have been used for building empathy in physicians. In interactive or
Forum Theater, spectators have opportunities to express opinions and make
decisions while the actors incorporate the suggestions as they re-play a scene
over again. The technique of Forum Theater has been used for medical faculty
development for improving handling of student multiculturalism with positive
results.
Methods: After IRB approval, 2 Forum theater sessions were held as OB-Gyn Grand
Rounds with scenes depicting interactive challenges. The learning environment dean led discussion
on the scenes before re-enactment with audience input. A brief survey was
collected on the Playbill regarding demographics, mistreatment attitudes and
opinions on Forum Theater. Replies between students and residents were compared
with Fishers Exact analysis.
Results: 110 attendees participated in 2 Forum Theater sessions. 41 participants
completed surveys-12 medical students, 17 residents, 4 fellows and 8 faculty.
Students agreed with statements that medical student mistreatment is prevalent
at the school and in the department significantly more often than the
residents. (p<.05) There were no differences between responses on the
learning environment in the clerkship. 83% of participants reported that Forum
theater raised mistreatment awareness and could improve the learning
environment.
Discussions: Forum
Theater holds promise as a tool for addressing learning environment challenges.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2018, Student, Resident, Faculty, Clerkship Director, Professionalism, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, GME, UME, General Ob-Gyn,
Benjamin Harris, MD
