Archived: The Golda Edinburg Memorial Lecture-The Art of Perception: Rethinking How We See

The Art of Perception (www.artfulperception.com) is a humanities based seminar for medical professionals that is designed to enhance observation, perception, and communication skills by learning to analyze works of art.  The collaborative program was developed in 2001 at The Frick Collection in New York City to help medical students improve their observation and communication skills with patients.  Since then, the program has been tailored not only to focus on interprofessional education but also to address those skills that are critical to effective practice and research in an increasingly technical environment: cultural competency, understanding of changing patient conditions, perceptual empathy and interdisciplinary communication. Art and photography are used to address and discuss assumptions, preconceived biases, and related ethical issues with medical colleagues, patients, and families. Facilitating effective communication in sensitive and emergency situations is especially timely and provides the foundation for this highly interactive program.

1. Rethink observation and perception skills and how precisely and objectively we communicate in a variety of medical scenarios
2. Reconsider the use of assumptions in professional judgment
3. Confront cognitive bias and understand how it affects complex decision making

Physicians
McLean Hospital is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

McLean Hospital designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Psychologists
McLean Hospital is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. McLean Hospital maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Participants meeting requirements will receive 1.00 CE credits.

Nurses
This program meets the requirements of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (244 CMR 5.00) for 1.00 contact hours of nursing continuing education credit. Advance practice nurses, please note: educational activities which meet the requirements of the ACCME (such as this activity) count toward 50% of the nursing requirement for ANCC accreditation.

Social Workers
For information about continuing education credit for Massachusetts social workers, please call 617.855.2738. Social workers from other states should check with their state licensing board to ensure they accept reciprocity with AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for re-licensure.

Licensed Mental Health Counselors
McLean Hospital has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6085. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. McLean Hospital is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. This offering meets the requirements for up to 1.00 NBCC hours.

Amy E. Herman, JD, MA

President, The Art of Perception