ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The authors' 2001 survey of the variety of arts-related activities incorporated by U.S. medical schools revealed expansion far beyond the literary arts introduced three decades ago. PURPOSE: A 2002 survey of all U.S. medical schools was designed to assess student involvement in arts-related activities in greater depth. METHODS: Questionnaires were mailed in summer 2002 to all U.S. medical school deans asking about characteristics of arts-related activities, degree and nature of student participation, and if specific outcomes are assessed. RESULTS: The 65% response rate indicates that over half of U.S. medical schools involve the arts in learning activities. Most include literature, visual arts, performing arts, and/or music. Active participation exceeds passive. Electives typically involve 15-18 students. School-based funding predominates. Assessment for increased well-being, clinical skills, and humanism is rare. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of the arts serves four major functions: (a) enhancement of student well-being, (b) improvement of clinical skills, (c) promotion of humanism, and (d) employment by students as a teaching tool.
Subject(s)
Curriculum/standards , Education, Medical/standards , Medicine in the Arts , Schools, Medical/standards , Students, Medical/statistics & numerical data , Clinical Competence , Education, Medical/statistics & numerical data , Follow-Up Studies , Humanism , Humans , Schools, Medical/statistics & numerical data , Surveys and Questionnaires , Teaching Materials , United StatesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Although the literary arts initiated the movement to include the humanities in medical education, little is known about the incorporation of other art forms. PURPOSE: A study was designed to determine the variety of arts-related activities in U.S. medical schools. METHODS: Questionnaires were mailed twice to each of the U.S. medical school deans requesting information about arts-related required and elective courses, extracurricular activities, course and activity titles, and funding sources. RESULTS: Of 100 respondents (78%), 21 offer arts-related required courses, 42 offer electives, and 89 offer extracurricular activities. School-based funds were listed in 67 schools and endowments in 13. CONCLUSION: Exposure to a variety of the arts is commonplace in U.S. medical schools. Almost half the schools involve the arts in the curriculum and over two thirds support arts-related extracurricular programs. Further investigation is necessary to determine the numbers of students involved, degree of involvement, and the impact on learning and practice.
