Social Science

Medical Clowning and Art Therapy as a Tool for Medical Facility Transformation

Authors: Anna Degteva, Daria Zarina
Comments: 14 Pages. In Russian with abstract in English

The paper describes the medical clowning in the context of other creative practices used in medical environment. Usually those practices aiming at psychosocial rehabilitation of the patients are performed by members of NGOs, however their importance to the process of treatment is also acknowledged by the medical staff. The work describes three kinds of professionalization within medical art practices: volunteering, professionalization within a creative specialization and as a paramedic. The hospital clowning belongs to the last kind. Its representatives get an extended access to the grounds of the medical institution, actively work towards their professional autonomy and expertise within emotional work. Despite their “external” origin these specialists can become a valuable resource to the medical facility, including their self-representation.
Category: Social Science