Rethinking medical humanities

J Med Humanit. 2014 Dec;35(4):377-87. doi: 10.1007/s10912-014-9269-5.

Abstract

This paper questions different conceptions of Medical Humanities in order to provide a clearer understanding of what they are and why they matter. Building upon former attempts, we defend a conception of Medical Humanities as a humanistic problem-based approach to medicine aiming at influencing its nature and practice. In particular, we discuss three main conceptual issues regarding the overall nature of this discipline: (i) a problem-driven approach to Medical Humanities; (ii) the need for an integration of Medical Humanities into medicine; (iii) the methodological requirements that could render Medical Humanities an effective framework for medical decision-making.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Concept Formation
  • Decision Making
  • Humanities*
  • Humans
  • Integrative Medicine*
  • Philosophy, Medical
  • Problem Solving