about their observations with sensitivity and in collaboration with their
peers, which can only benefit their patients."
The Fine Art of Health Care program, launched in 2010, is based on
a training methodology known as Visual Thinking Strategies that
teaches students from various healthcare disciplines to enhance their
sensitivity, empathy, communication and teamwork with the aim of
improving patient outcomes. They learn how to remain neutral in the
presence of ambiguity, to develop active listening skills by paraphras-
ing discussions and to link together ideas from members of the group.
You don't need access to an art museum to take advantage of visual
thinking strategies for team-building exercises or staff training. Make
high-resolution images of art from different time periods and cultures,
and display them in your meeting room. You can get a good conversa-
tion started by asking 3 key questions:
• What is going on here?
• What do you see that makes you say that?
• What more can you find?
OSM
Dr. Mitzova-Vladinov (gmvladinov@miami.edu) is associate program direc-
tor of the University of Miami DNP nurse anesthesia program. Her academic
focus is in the effects of visual thinking strategies on students' clinical per-
formance.
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