title: A review of three educational projects using interactive theater to improve physician-patient communication when treating patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Quality communication skills and increased multicultural sensitivity are universal goals, yet teaching them have remained a challenge for educators.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To document the process and participant responses to Interactive Theater when used as a method to teach physician/patient communication and cross-cultural competency.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three projects are reported. They were collaborations between Theater Delta, the UNC Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders, the Rome Foundation, the World Gastroenterology Organization, and the American Gastroenterological Association.
  
  
  METHODS
  8 forced choice and 6 open ended were collected from each participant using a post-performance evaluation form.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Responses to the 8 indicators relating to a positive experience participating in the Interactive Theater. The vast majority either agreed or strongly agreed with the statements on the evaluation form. Written comments explained why.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Data indicates that Interactive Theater stimulates constructive dialogue, analysis, solutions, and intended behavior change with regard to communication skills and adapting to patients from multicultural backgrounds. Interactive Theater directly focuses on communication itself (active listening, empathy, recognizing cultural differences, etc.) and shows promise as an effective way to improve awareness and skills around these issues.
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Saypol
authors.forename: Douglas A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Drossman
authors.forename: Max J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Schmulson
authors.forename: Carolina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Olano
authors.forename: Albena
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Halpert
authors.forename: Ademola
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aderoju
authors.forename: Lin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D065246:Culturally Competent Care; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009657:North Carolina; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D000066908:Simulation Training / Q000379:methods*