The Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) method uses the observation of art as a training practice. VTS aims, in fact, to foster the development of skills and competences relevant to semiological analysis and empathetic communication with the patient. The VTS method helps to develop what is known as the ‘clinical eye’ – essential in the physical examination – to facilitate the gathering of information about the patient’s health through careful observation, critical thinking and intuition. The practice of VTS also encourages the recognition and understanding of complexity and problem-solving, stimulates interpersonal and communication skills, and promotes teamwork.

The term Narrative Medicine defines a type of clinical-care intervention based on the use of narrative. Narrative is the fundamental tool to acquire, understand and integrate the different points of view of those involved in the care process. The goal is the shared construction of a personalised care pathway (care story). Narrative Medicine integrates with Evidence Based Medicine to promote clinical multidimensional, personalised, effective and appropriate care interventions. Through their stories, persons become protagonists of the care process.

Too often we forget how important it is, as a real professional tool, to take care of oneself and to feel good about oneself and one's work in order to be able to offer patients the best care and attention. Taking care of oneself is an indispensable practice to be able to take care of others. Humanistic knowledge offers itself as a tool for investigation and reflection in order to be able to think about and transform care practices starting from one's own wellbeing, experience, and living, redefining the very meaning of care and one's own work. Thus, shared reflection can be a real tool for carers, an aid in the prevention of stress, anxiety and burnout.