The Nocturnists: Black Voices in Healthcare (Episode 8: Touch)
Selected Excerpts
“I’ve been coming to this hospital for over 15 years. I’ve seen many providers in this hospital and I want you to know that you’re the first doctor who’s ever touched me.”
Discussion Questions
Which story from this episode of The Nocturnists resonated most with you?
What role does touch have in the doctor-patient relationship?
Sensory deprivation from touch is yet another consequence of COVID-19. What are ways we can cope with this absence and maintain social connection?
Reflections from #MedHumChat
“The [patient] who had never been touched before in the hospital — yet what a profound difference touch made in his healing journey. As a learner, I see touch modelled less and less, being outsourced by tech, AI, imaging. Makes me question what it truly means to heal”—@shabsjams
“As a patient with EDS, touch can be scary. "Careful" isn't standardized, and even if doctors say they will be careful, hands-on examinations have repeatedly hurt and harmed me. On the other hand, it can give a doctor so much important information. It takes trust.”—@OdyO11
“It communicates a shared humanity. There is a basis of trust creating space for intimacy, healing, and emotion. It is almost a sacred privilege to be permitted to touch another human so soon after meeting them.”—@sharanauth
About this #MedHumChat
The Nocturnists: Black Voices in Healthcare (Episode 8: Touch) was paired with “The Compassionate Clinical Exam” by Michael Wang for a #MedHumChat on December 2, 2020 on The Power of Touch.
The piece for this chat as well as the discussion questions were curated by Jennifer Caputo (@jennifermcaputo).
About the Creator
The Nocturnists (@thenocturnists) is a San Francisco-based medical storytelling community created by Emily Silveran, MD (@ESilvermanMD). The Black Voices in Healthcare series was hosted by Ashley McMullen, MD (@ash_mcmullenMD) and executively produced by Kimberly Manning, MD (@gradydoctor). The original artwork for the series, displayed above, is by Ashley Floreal.