Program

Literature & Medicine

A reading and discussion program for health care professionals.

Contact

Lizz Sinclair
Program Director
(207) 773-5051

Literature & Medicine Outcomes

In a formal evaluation of Literature & Medicine, participants showed a great or medium increase in:

Empathy for patients (79%)
Interpersonal skills (64%)
Communication skills (58%)
Job satisfaction (62%)
Cultural awareness (67%)

In a similar study of Veteran’s Administration (VA) hospitals around the country, participants showed a great or medium increase in:

Empathy for patients (82%)
Interpersonal skills (62%)
Communication skills (51%)
Job satisfaction (61%)
Cultural awareness (59%)

¹Program Evaluation, Literature and Medicine Program by Dr. Bruce B. Clary, Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine, November 2008.

²Program Evaluation, Literature & Medicine Program, Healthcare Facilities, United States Department of Veterans Affairs by Dr. Bruce B. Clary, Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine, 2011.

Testimonial

“This helped foster communication across the hierarchy of medical culture, which was great and much needed.”

-Participant
"The book group was an excellent opportunity to come together as a staff
and talk about issues of concern that we don't often get an opportunity
during school-sponsored workshops to discuss."

-Educator
"I found myself feeling better connected to the day to day issues
affecting the many young people I have had the good fortune to teach."

-Educator
“I am amazed by how differently we read these books. It makes me wonder how differently we hear our patients’ stories. And how our patients perceive us.”

-Physician
“I now think about what people are feeling when they approach my desk, and I am more conscious of the fact that I am the first person they speak to when they come to the hospital.”

-Hospital Receptionist
“I always knew my role [as a nurse] was valuable, but I think I more fully understand how far-reaching that can be. I have learned how important it is to listen to each individual, to hear what their need is and also to hear the needs of the extended family."

-Nurse
"Our staff is often without opportunities to have deep, professional
discussions outside of our departments. This is such a shame. This
experience was a chance to know and share time with colleagues who I don't
often see or spend time with. There is one colleague who I have had some
trouble with... we have very different outlooks. I have come to understand
a bit more about where she is coming from, which has encouraged me to seek
her out on a couple of occasions to check in informally. I have felt
better about this relationship, and I believe that the exposure through
this group has been what has sparked a change."

-Educator
“The program helps me reaffirm the need to attempt to bring a supportive healing attitude to my work area.”

-Nurse
“I joined this group due to burnout. Burnout is not about waiting until you feel like you can’t do your job—it’s constantly asking yourself what you are doing and feeling and helping prevent burnout from occurring by paying attention every day, not waiting until too late.”

-Participant

Funded By:

The Hospice Fund and the Welch Charitable Fund

at the Maine Community Foundation

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