FAQs

What is Medical Improv?  

Medical Improv is a way of teaching communication skills, collaboration and leadership using exercises from the world of improvisation.  The art of improv is about creating scene, songs or stories from nothing, with no script or predetermined topics.  The skills needed to do this are the ones we practise as improvisers; they are the same skills that we need as health care professionals.

Do participants have to act, be fast and clever, be ‘funny’ or perform?

No.  These sessions are absolutely not about performing. We do a variety of exercises, usually in groups or pairs, to illuminate particular aspects of communication.  Occasionally we ask for volunteers to try something in front of the group – this is never forced on anyone.

Can the sessions be delivered on line?

Pleasecontact us if you would like some online training.  We can deliver this, with certain provisos – each participant must have their own computer and be in a private place, and cameras must be on.  We will limit the numbers. We prefer to deliver this training using Zoom.

Can sessions be recorded for others to watch?

No. For reasons of confidentiality, we do not record sessions (whether face to face or on line).

Can I come and watch a session to see whether it would be something I would like to commission?

We do not allow observers as this changes the dynamic of the sessions.  Everyone in the room takes part.  You are welcome to come and join in one of our study days; we feel that you can best understand what the training is by doing it.

Can you put on a bespoke session for a particular group of healthcare professionals?

Absolutely.  We love to develop sessions that meet particular needs – for example, we have delivered a session to open an away day for senior leaders, worked with newly qualified GPs to build confidence and worked with GP trainers to look at how they can support the learning needs of their registrars.  Contact us, let us know what your needs are and we will work with you.

How long does a session last?

We can be very flexible.  We would recommend at least 90 minutes and can run training for a whole day – or more.

I am unconfident/introverted/shy – is this for me?

We expect that some participants will feel shy, or be anxious about what will happen.  We work hard to provide a safe environment where everyone feels able to have a go and no-one is judged.   You will not be asked to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.