Visual art-based training in undergraduate medical education: A systematic review

Abstract

Background

Visual art has been increasingly incorporated into medical education and has been shown to enhance important competencies, such as empathy. However, limited evidence on effective visual art program design and evaluation processes remain. This systematic review examines the format, content, and espoused outcomes of visual art-based training programs in undergraduate medical education.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ProQuestERIC on undergraduate medical education and visual arts retrieved 1703 articles published from 2014 to 2020. After reviewing inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 articles were chosen for full review and synthesis.

Results

Program format and content varied, ranging from 1-day specific competency focused programs to well-structured comprehensive 6–12-week programs. 6 areas of program foci were identified: observation skills, empathy, tolerance to uncertainty, cultural sensitivity, team building and collaboration, and wellness and resiliency. Although several programs used validated measures to assess skills acquisition, they seldom addressed long-term outcomes.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that visual art-based education hold a promise to enhance important competencies in medical education, particularly empathy. Clinical observation, in particular, had the strongest evidence of its effectiveness compared to the other competencies. Future programs incorporating visual arts will benefit from a longitudinal (greater than 6 weeks) program which incorporates guided artworks, reflection exercises, and a group discussion to provide a stronger foundation for the development of core competencies. We propose using validated scales to measure outcomes in future studies and follow-up with participants to better assess Kirkpatrick Level 3 and 4 outcomes.

Keywords:

• Visual art
• art-based training
• undergraduate medical education

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Muna Alkhaifi

Muna Alkhaifi, MD, CCFP, MPH, a family physician with an interest in Breast diseases, who reviewed articles, data extract and synthesis.

Adam Clayton

Adam Clayton, BMsc, a second year medical student who assisted in reviewing articles, data extract and synthesis.

Emilia Kangasjarvi

Miss Emilia Kangasjarvi, MSSC, is a research associate who assisted with reviewing data extraction and synthesis.

Teruko Kishibe

Teruko Kishibe, MISt, a research Librarian who assisted in literature search and study methodology.

Jory S Simpson

Jory S. Simpson, MD, MEd, FRCSC, is a Breast Surgical Oncologist, research supervisor who provided overall guidance on the SR and assistance on reviewing the study results.