Presented By: April Hatcher, University of Kentucky
Co-Authors: Grace Macmillan, New York Institute of Technology
Julia Molnar, New York Institute of Technology

Purpose
Addressing bias and stigma in the healthcare system is an important part of medical education because these barriers can compromise patient care. Humanities-based activities have been used to train medical students in residency competencies like collaboration, empathy, and patient-centered practice. Narrative and artistic exercises help participants to appreciate the values of multiple points of view, concordant with a growing focus in medical education on valuing diversity and addressing health inequities.

Methods
Two workshops at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine and the University of Kentucky College of Medicine were offered in parallel over the 2023 summer session. A total of 30 students (27 M2, 2 M3, and 1 PhD) participated in five two-hour workshop sessions on obesity and addiction, covering an introduction, project overview, faculty panels, art consultations, nutrition applications, and patient perspectives. Students were provided with art supplies, journals, and culinary samples that highlighted specific diets discussed. The workshop series culminated in a showcase event at each institution involving the broader college community and shared art pieces. A pre- and post-Likert test was given to assess the workshop outcomes and qualitative comments related to self-reported skills for future patient communication.

Results 
Pre- and post-workshop Likert-assessments showed significant improvement (p< 0.001) in self-reported confidence in communicating on stigmatized medical topics, receiving feedback, and viewing other perspectives. Participants described the workshop to be a comfortable environment in which they could share and discuss vulnerable topics and hear new perspectives. Creating a final project was challenging, yet it allowed for introspection and offered a creative outlet. The data indicates the workshop series prompted participants to engage with self-reflection and perspective-taking.

Conclusion
Short-term humanities-based interventions appear to be an effective means of reducing bias in medicine and thus have potential to improve physician-patient relationships and health outcomes.