ALL THE WORLDS A STAGE: EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING TO HARNESS, SOCIAL POWER, EMBRACE CHANGE
Candace Campbell
University of San Francisco, USA
: Int J Ment Health Psychiatry
Abstract
Although statistical data varies, according to The Institute of Medicine (2000) and The Joint Commission, (2004-2015), the outcome is clear: communication error is the most frequently cited root cause category of sentinel events in the healthcare industry. Studies of various risk-adverse environments demonstrate that Kahneman’s human factor concept of high communication load, applies to healthcare. High communication load, defined as the combination of time pressure, workload stress, distractions, interruptions, differences in training, social/cultural differences, fatigue, and degree of professional experience, affects one’s ability to process information, and can lead to miscommunication. Stress has been identified as a key experiential factor that programs and modifies brain development. Neuroscience studies reveal the complex mosaic of mental processes that participate in human memory and cognition: a smile from 10 feet away causes a chemical release of dopamine and so-called “happy hormones,” while a frown perceived, even briefly, can cause a cascade of stress-inducing adrenocortical hormones. A sense of safety is key to internalize feelings of stability and trust, which necessarily precedes any creative or innovative thinking. As healthcare teams are formed with members who often have never met, but must quickly join to perform complex tasks, it is no wonder that miscommunication exists. The mandate to inculcate highly effective communication among healthcare professionals has been a concern for over 15 years, with little measurable change in outcomes. Experiential learning through the use of various improvisational games has been used successfully in the business realm since the early 90s, as a tool to teach spontaneity, collaboration, creativity, and communication. It is incumbent upon healthcare teams to create better working relationships among individuals within health organizations and institutions. Properly facilitated, applied experiential (improvisational) exercises provide a safe, fun, environment for learning.
Biography
