The Nocturnists: Black Voices in Healthcare (Episode 8: Touch)

 
Original Artwork by Ashley Floreal for The Nocturnists: Black Voices in Healthcare series

Original Artwork by Ashley Floreal for The Nocturnists: Black Voices in Healthcare series

 

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.”

Full Episode

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.