Mayo Clinic adds improv to resident training

Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic is adding improv comedy classes to its medical residents’ training to improve the physician-patient relationship, NPR reported July 16.

The improv workshop teaches skills that can’t be learned from a textbook, a participating resident told the news outlet.

Here’s what to know:

1. The workshop uses improv theater techniques to help residents feel comfortable expressing humor, curiosity and empathy. The skills learned help these physicians think on their feet in evolving situations.

2. One game called “loser ball” played at the workshop involves tossing an imaginary ball around. In many cases, participating residents are told they cannot catch the ball or fail to do so. Games like this help residents have fun failing, according to the report.

3. Other exercises include mirroring each other’s movements and the “yes and” game, both of which can help open the conversation with patients, help residents pay closer attention to patients’ body language and improve communication.