Title: Innovative Program Enhances Communication Skills for Ontario Doctors

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont. — While the Shaw Festival's main stage showcased the Pevensie siblings entering Narnia, a different kind of performance was taking place in a rehearsal hall below. Here, doctors participated in drama-based exercises aimed at improving their caregiving skills. This initiative, called Theatre of Medicine, focuses on enhancing empathy and communication between physicians and patients.

The three-day workshop, developed by Shaw movement director Alexis Milligan in collaboration with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, is the first of its kind in Canada. It aims to integrate the performing arts into medical training, emphasizing the importance of what are often referred to as "soft skills"—communication, empathy, and collaboration. Research indicates that effective doctor-patient communication can lead to better health outcomes.

Dr. Glen Bandiera, the Royal College’s executive director of specialty education, noted that nearly 80 percent of complaints against physicians arise from communication or collaboration issues. He stated, "This is a big shift from the times when the only learning that really counted was the latest study and the latest surgical technique."

During the workshop, participants engaged in various exercises designed to foster connection. In one activity, they silently walked toward each other, first making eye contact and then looking down at an upturned hand. The exercise highlighted the feelings of disconnection that can occur when doctors focus on medical charts instead of engaging with patients. Milligan explained, "What does it feel like when someone comes up to you with their palm up?" The overwhelming response was a sense of disconnection.

Milligan's inspiration for the workshop stemmed from her experiences with nursing students at Dalhousie University. The program gained momentum when she joined the Shaw Festival, which was looking to expand its role in education and community outreach. The Theatre of Medicine was officially launched from September 26 to 28, attracting 19 medical professionals, including family doctors, emergency room physicians, and psychiatrists.

Participants engaged in immersive activities, including watching a performance of Cole Porter’s "Anything Goes" and discussing its themes in relation to clinical practice. Milligan emphasized the program's focus on experiential learning, stating, "We’re PowerPoint-free."

In one lively session led by actor Kristopher Bowman, doctors participated in a game that encouraged them to call out names without hesitation. If someone made a mistake, they humorously declared, "I made a mistake!" followed by a theatrical bow. This exercise sparked discussions about humility and accountability in the medical field, where errors can have serious consequences.

The workshop also addressed the challenges of hospital environments that can hinder effective communication. One participant remarked, "We don’t deal with widgets — we deal with patients," highlighting the human aspect of healthcare. Dr. Mira Backo-Shannon, a family physician, noted the importance of translating medical information into meaningful context for patients, especially as they become more involved in their care.

Despite the challenges of time constraints in medical practice, Milligan encouraged participants to commit to integrating the workshop's lessons into their routines. Dr. Francisco Perera, a radiation oncologist, shared his experience from attending the pilot program last year, stating, "I’m more aware of non-verbal things in terms of picking up someone’s anxiety level."

Looking ahead, Milligan and Bandiera plan to expand the program's reach, with faculty from McMaster University set to conduct a shorter version in November. They envision a future where training in bedside manner becomes a standard part of medical education. Bandiera remarked that the current approach to teaching communication skills often feels like a mere formality, overshadowed by more technical subjects.

Dr. Emily Snook, a third-year orthopedic surgery resident, emphasized the significance of communication in patient care. She stated, "There are key moments in a surgical pathway where communication really frames how a patient experiences their care. It’s important to be reminded of that."

The Theatre of Medicine program represents a significant step toward enhancing the quality of doctor-patient interactions in Ontario, ultimately aiming to improve healthcare outcomes through better communication and empathy.