Creative Arts in IPE: Teaching Lived Experience as a Patient Partner Using Poetry
12 August 2026
UTC 14:00; Toronto 10:00; London 15:0; Paris 16:00; Doha 17:00
Presenters:
Dr. Kateryna Metersky – Toronto Metropolitan University
Moderator:
Dr. Vikki Park – CAIPE; Teesside University
Description:
How can poetry transform interprofessional education and deepen understanding of patient-centered care? This presentation explores an innovative virtual interprofessional education (IPE) session that integrated poetry authored and facilitated by a patient-partner with lived experience. Through reflective discussion, collaborative aesthetic activities, and engagement with the patient narrative, learners from 14 health professions examined patient roles within interprofessional teams, empathy in clinical interactions, and strategies for meaningful patient partnerships. Evaluation findings from 155 learners demonstrated enhanced understanding of collaborative care, patient perspectives, and professional identity formation. Attendees will gain practical strategies for incorporating arts-based approaches into healthcare education.
Abstract:
This presentation explores an innovative interprofessional education (IPE) session that used poetry authored and facilitated by a patient-partner to enhance learners’ understanding of patient-centered care and collaboration. Students from 14 health professions participated in a two-hour virtual session that combined poetry, facilitated discussion, and collaborative aesthetic reflection.
The patient-partner’s poem provided insight into the lived experience of navigating healthcare, prompting learners to examine the patient’s role within interprofessional teams and strategies for meaningful patient partnerships. Evaluation data from 155 learners demonstrated increased understanding of collaborative care, empathy, and patient engagement. Qualitative feedback highlighted themes of emotional connection, holistic care, and appreciation for the patient perspective.
Findings suggest that arts-based approaches, such as poetry, can enrich IPE by fostering reflection, empathy, and a deeper understanding of person-centered collaborative practice.
Author(s): Kateryna Metersky; Sylvia Langlois, Mathumesa Muhunthan, and Tommy Lin
Author(s) email: kateryna.metersky@torontomu.ca