Students experience importance of clear communication at Central Museum

Studenten bestuderen een schilderij in het Centraal Museum, als onderdeel van Ogen en Oren

At the Central Museum, medical and pharmacy students had a unique experience that made them aware of the complexity of effective communication. The exercise called ‘Eyes and Ears’ taught them an important lesson about the significance of clear communication in their future medical careers.

Art of observation

During their visit to the museum, the students were challenged to learn the art of observation. In the exercise, they were divided into two groups: the ‘eyes’ and the ‘ears’. The group representing the eyes had the task of carefully observing a painting and providing detailed descriptions, while the group representing the ears had to draw the painting based on the verbal descriptions, without the ability to ask questions.

The exercise revealed to the students how complex and challenging it can be to accurately convey and receive information. The group that relied on the descriptions from the eyes quickly realized that even the smallest details were crucial for creating an accurate depiction of the painting. They also recognized how easily misunderstandings can arise and the importance of communicating clearly and precisely.

Parallel to real-world practice

This experience served as a valuable lesson for the students, as they understood the importance of effective communication in their future medical practice. They saw a direct parallel to the transfer of information in the emergency room, where correctly understanding and conveying symptoms, medical history, and treatment options are vital for patient care. They also realized that clear communication with patients is crucial in helping them make informed decisions about their health and treatment.

The insight gained during this exercise will help the students become better healthcare providers. They have learned how to improve their communication skills, such as asking targeted questions, actively listening, and clarifying information. By developing these skills, they will be able to communicate more effectively with their future colleagues and patients, with the goal of enhancing the quality of care provided.