Clinical Creativity

Clinical Creativity is a cross-disciplinary research and curriculum development initiative exploring how art and design-led practices can be embedded in medical education. The project will lead to the development of a new 5 ECTS undergraduate module (Level 8) for students at University College Dublin (UCD) School of Medicine. The module will introduce medical students to creative thinking, reflective practice, critical observation and design methodologies that support empathy, communication, and innovation in clinical environments. The initiative aligns with Sláintecare, the HSE’s National Framework for Person-Centred Care, and the Action Plan for Designing Better Public Services (2023–2030). This project is supported by Creative Ireland and led by NCAD in collaboration with UCD School of Medicine.

On Monday 23rd March, we hosted a Clinical Creativity pilot workshop with 1st year Medical Students on the UCD Campus. This workshop was a 3 hour taster for students on the exploration of creativity as an active studio based pedagogy forming part of their learning as clinical holistic practitioners.

The workshop was overseen by CFA@NCAD Academic Lead, Bernie McCoy, and led by creative educators Martin McGinn and Jane Duncan on behalf of the National School of Art and Design (NCAD) and supported by Creative Ireland in collaboration with UCD School of Medicine, led by Asst. Professor in Medical Education, Dr.Paul Rushe.

Students were joined by Associate Professor Suzanne Donnelly, UCD Director of Clinical Education, during this active workshop to explore artistic processes as a way to explore shared values and human connections and to use creativity as a tool for empathy within clinical environments. The response was overwhelming positive will all students reporting a helpful and meaningful experience of the workshop.

The initiative aligns with Sláintecare, the HSE’s National Framework for Person-Centred Care, and the Action Plan for Designing Better Public Services (2023–2030).