Wellness Skills for Medical Learners and Teachers: Perspective Taking and Cognitive Flexibility

Abstract

Introduction Wellness insufficiency is a widespread problem in medical training programs. Recent evidence reveals that one factor contributing to physician wellness is cognitive flexibility, defined as being able to hold multiple views or to reframe a thought, situation, or perspective. While cognitive flexibility is a neurologically based, teachable skill, there is little guidance as to how to build this skill in learners (and teachers). Methods This workshop introduces the concept and relevance of cognitive flexibility as a wellness skill and then utilizes the novel methodology of reverse role-play through simulated stressful everyday encounters in medical education between teachers and learners. Results This workshop successfully improved cognitive flexibility scores in a sample of 15 family medicine residents, according to measures on the Cognitive Flexibility Scale. Discussion By incorporating cognitive flexibility and perspective-taking skill instruction, this resource has implications for reducing conflict and stress, as well as improving the wellness levels of medical students, residents, and faculty alike.

Keywords

• Residency Education
• Conflict Resolution
• Perspective Taking
• Negotiating
• Physician Wellness
• Interpersonal Communication