Routledge Handbook of the Medical Humanities

The Routledge Handbook of the Medical Humanities provides a comprehensive and cutting-edge overview of the state of the medical humanities globally, showing how clinically oriented medical humanities, the critical study of medicine as a global historical and cultural phenomenon, and medicine as a force for cultural change can inform each other. It explores the medical humanities as a network and system, therapeutic provocation, forms of resistance, a way of reconceptualizing the medical curriculum, concerned with performance and narrative, mediated by artists as diagnosticians of culture through public engagement, and how it can be used in and out of clinical settings, acting as a point of resistance, redistributing medicines capital amongst its stakeholders, embracing the complexity of medical instances, shaping medical education, promoting interdisciplinary understandings, and recognizing an identity for the medical humanities as a network effect.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 468 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Routledge Handbook of the Medical Humanities is a groundbreaking and comprehensive guide to the state of the medical humanities worldwide. It explores the intersection of clinically oriented medical humanities, the critical study of medicine as a global historical and cultural phenomenon, and medicine as a force for cultural change, offering a holistic and cutting-edge perspective. Comprising eight insightful parts, the handbook delves into various aspects of the medical humanities, including its role as a network and system, therapeutic provocation, forms of resistance, a way of reconceptualizing the medical curriculum, and its engagement with performance and narrative. Through its exploration of these themes, the handbook demonstrates how the medical humanities can inform and enhance clinical practice, medical education, interdisciplinary understanding, and the recognition of the medical humanities as a distinct field.

One of the key strengths of the handbook is its multidisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise from various fields such as medicine, history, literature, art, and cultural studies. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a richer and more nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between medicine and society. The handbook also emphasizes the therapeutic dimension of the medical humanities, recognizing the power of storytelling, art, and other creative forms to heal, empower, and promote well-being. It explores how these therapeutic interventions can be used in clinical settings, as well as outside of them, to address the emotional and psychological aspects of healthcare and to foster patient-centered care.

Another important aspect of the handbook is its focus on resistance and social justice. It recognizes that medicine has often been used as a tool of oppression and control, and explores how the medical humanities can be used to challenge these power dynamics. It examines how medicine can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, marginalize certain groups, and reinforce social inequalities, and offers strategies for promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare. The handbook also highlights the role of the medical humanities in advocating for patient rights, promoting public health, and addressing global health challenges.

In addition to its theoretical and practical contributions, the handbook also serves as a valuable resource for students, scholars, and practitioners interested in the medical humanities. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the field, covering key concepts, theories, and methodologies, and offers practical examples and case studies from around the world. The handbook is well-organized, accessible, and engaging, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the medical humanities and their potential to transform healthcare and society.

In conclusion, the Routledge Handbook of the Medical Humanities is a groundbreaking and essential resource for anyone interested in the medical humanities. It offers a comprehensive and cutting-edge overview of the state of the field, drawing on expertise from various disciplines and emphasizing the therapeutic, resistant, and social justice dimensions of the medical humanities. Through its interdisciplinary approach and practical applications, the handbook provides valuable insights into the complex relationships between medicine and society and offers strategies for promoting health, well-being, and social justice. Whether you are a student, scholar, clinician, or simply someone with an interest in the humanistic aspects of medicine, this handbook is a must-read.

Weight: 870g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032338101