To enhance your communication skills, and better assist patients, you might want to consider enrolling in an evening improv class. As we explore in this week’s edition of the Healthcare Experience Matters Podcast, improv could be a beneficial step toward personal growth, professional development, improved listening skills, and even combating burnout.

Our guest this week is Dr. Michael Smith, the founder of HealthcareImprov.com, and when it comes to building empathy, there is no better tool than improv classes, as Dr. Smith can attest from his own experience.

In 2014, Dr. Smith embarked on his journey in improv by enrolling in Level 1 classes. He quickly recognized the potential of these newfound skills in enhancing his role as a hospitalist, prompting him to integrate them into his professional life.

The outcome was a more fulfilling work experience, improved patient interactions, and more effective teaching methods.

Dr. Smith shares his journey from improv student to a hospitalist who leverages improv techniques to enhance his practice. His venture into improv wasn’t a personal choice but a thoughtful gift from his wife. At the time, he was recovering from an injury and looking for a way to break free from his routine.

Little did he know that these classes would change the way he approached his profession. Through Level 1 improv classes, he uncovered the potential of these newfound skills as a way to help patients and find more meaning in his work.

As an academic hospitalist working with medical students, interns, residents, and surgical co-management teams, Dr. Smith interacts with patients at various stages of health. His experience in improv quickly became a valuable asset to his work.

One notable improvisation exercise he incorporated into patient interactions is the three-line opener. This exercise encouraged immediate clarification of roles, allowing for more effective communication with patients. Consequently, Dr. Smith noticed improved patient satisfaction scores and enhanced rapport with his patients.

Beyond the hospital setting, improv fosters adaptability in healthcare professionals. Improv teaches individuals to embrace uncertainty, adapt to rapidly changing situations, and make the best of unforeseen circumstances—qualities that are vital in the dynamic field of patient care.

The connection between improv and empathy is particularly noteworthy.

Improv encourages individuals to enter different worlds and understand various perspectives. This practice translated into Dr. Smith’s revived approach to patient care. He emphasizes understanding the patient’s perspective before devising a treatment plan, resulting in more empathetic and patient-centered care.

Active listening is a crucial skill for healthcare professionals. Improv hones this skill by requiring participants to pay close attention to their scene partner’s cues and respond accordingly.

Dr. Smith shares how his journey in improv revealed his own shortcomings as a listener in his personal life, leading him to apologize to his wife and ultimately improve his listening skills beyond patient care.

Preventing burnout is a significant concern in the healthcare industry, especially during extra challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Improv offers a unique perspective and by seeking moments of joy and connection, healthcare professionals can find meaning and satisfaction in their daily work, even amidst adversity.

Furthermore, the improv mindset of searching for what’s enjoyable and heightening those moments can be a powerful tool for combating burnout.

Dr. Smith’s journey showcases the immense benefits of integrating improv skills into patient care.

Nurturing improv skills helps improve communication, foster adaptability, empathy, active listening, and brings folks a renewed sense of purpose. As healthcare professionals face unprecedented challenges, embracing the principles of improv could be a major key to enhancing patient care, personal well-being, and fighting burnout.

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Communication, PRC