Nude drawing – a relevant tool in Health Professions Education? Developing skills in observation method for reflective physiotherapy practice

Abstract

Background: The Mensendieck physiotherapy programme at Oslo University College includes nude drawing as part of the curriculum. Aim: To explore how nude drawing can be used as a tool for encouraging the students to reflect on observation from different perspectives. Method: The data are based on a thematic analysis of 50 reflection papers. Findings: The students' reflections indicate that nude drawing contributes to an awareness of perceiving the body as object and subject. Their reflections also illuminate a growing consciousness of preconceptions and ethical aspects of observation as a method. Conclusion: Nude drawing seems to be an effective teaching tool. However, the relevance of the knowledge needs to be made explicit in terms of its application for the students' clinical training.

Keywords:

• art-based research
• philosophy of science
• method
• reflective practice

Notes

^1. Curriculum for Bachelor Programmeme in Physiotherapy – Mensendieck Discipline. 180 ECTS credits. Cohort 2009–2012.