Improving the Doctor-Patient Relationship through Theatre Techniques
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37130/gaaz7k41Keywords:
doctor, actor, societal norms, role’s theory, pedagogical approach to social roles, empathy, sympathy, forum theatre, drama gamesAbstract
This article explores the complex dynamics between physicians and patients through the innovative use of drama games and forum theater. The focus is on exploring the interplay between empathy and sympathy. By integrating theatrical techniques into medical education and practice, this study examines how these methods can enhance communication, understanding, and emotional connection between health care providers and patients. Drama games and forum theatre are used as experiential learning tools that allow participants to navigate and reflect on real-life scenarios in a controlled and supportive environment. This approach not only cultivates empathy, enabling clinicians to truly understand and share patients’ emotions, but also emphasizes the importance of empathy in providing compassionate care. Through qualitative analysis and case studies, the article demonstrates how these creative interventions can bridge gaps in the doctor-patient relationship, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the human experience in medical contexts. The findings suggest that the incorporation of drama-based methods can greatly enrich the emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills of medical professionals, ultimately benefiting patient care and satisfaction.
References
Cojar, I. (2025) Poetics of the Actor’s Art, “UNATC Clasics” Series,Translated by Maria Alexe, 2nd ed., Bucharest: UNATC Press & Paideia.
Darie, B. (2025) A Course on the Art of the Actor: Improvisation, UNATC Press & Universitaria Craiova Press.
Dobrea, A.-G. (2025) Applied Theatre in the Integration Process of Refugee Children and Teenagers. UNATC Press & Universitaria Craiova Press.
Lucaci, L. (2025) The Becoming of the Actor, eds. 2, UNATC Press & Universitaria Craiova.
Cooper L.A. (2004) “Health disparities. Toward a better understanding of primary care patient-physician relationships”. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 19(9), 985–986. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1497.2004.46002.x (Accessed 8 November 2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1497.2004.46002.x
Gandhi, A. (2023), “Sympathy vs Empathy: Ultimate Guide for Your Medical School Interview”, Available at: https://www.theukcatpeople.co.uk/post/medical-school-interview-empathy-sympathy-tips (Accessed 18 November 2025).
Gupta, S., Agrawal, A., Singh, S., Singh, N. (2013) “Theatre of the Oppressed in Medical Humanities Education: The Road Less Travelled”. Indian Journal of Medical Ethics. 10. 200-3. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.20529/IJME.2013.059 (Accessed 9 November 2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.20529/IJME.2013.059
Honavar S.G. (2018) “Patient-physician relationship – Communication is the key”. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, 66(11), pp. 1527–1528. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.IJO_1760_18 (Accessed 8 June 2024). DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.IJO_1760_18
James. T. (2023) “Building Empathy into the Structure of Health Care. Trends in Medicine. Harvard Medical School.” Available at: https://postgraduateeducation.hms.harvard.edu/trends-medicine/building-empathy-structure-health-care (Accessed 8 June 2024).
Johnston, B., Hartley, J. (2022), “Applied Theatre and Drama in Undergraduate Medical Education: A Scoping Review”, MJM McMaster University, 20(2). Available at: https://doi.org/10.26443/mjm.v20i2.930 (Accessed 9 July 2024). DOI: https://doi.org/10.26443/mjm.v20i2.930
Kowalski, C.J., Redman, R.W. & Mrdjenovich, A.J. (2024) “The Doctor-Patient Relationship, Partnership Theory, and the Patient as Partner: Finding a Balance Between Domination and Partnership”. Health Care Analysis. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10728-023-00473-9 (Accessed 8 November 2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10728-023-00473-9
Safran, D.G., Montgomery, J.E., Chang, H., Murphy, J., & Rogers, W.H. (2001) “Switching doctors: predictors of voluntary disenrollment from a primary physician’s practice”. Journal of Family Practice, 50(2), p. 130. Available at: https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A71403434/AONE?u=anon~3de90d3&sid=googleScholar&xid=725a5335 (Accessed 8 June 2024).
Stewart M.A. (1995) “Effective physician-patient communication and health outcomes: a review”. CMAJ: Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l’Association medicale canadienne, 152(9), pp. 1423–1433. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1337906/?page=10 (Accessed 8 June 2024).
Taussig, M., & Schechner, R. (2002) “Boal in Brazil, France, the USA: an interview with Augusto Boal”. In Playing Boal, pp. 27-42. Eds. Cohen-Cruz and Schutzman, London: Routledge. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203419717 (Accessed 9 July 2024). DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203419717
Weiner, M., & Biondich, P. (2006) “The influence of information technology on patient-physician relationships”. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 21(1), pp. S35– S39. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1497.2006.00307.x (Accessed 8 November 2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1497.2006.00307.x
Whelan, C. (2020) “17 Benefits of Telemedicine for Doctors and Patients”. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/healthcare-provider/telemedicine-benefits#benefits (Accessed 9 July 2024).