The Dream Doctors Project

Nuttman-Shwartz, O. , Scheyer, R. and Tzioni, H. (2010). Medical Clowning: Even Adults Deserve a Dream. Social Work in Health Care, 49(6), 581-598

The article examines the significance of the integration of medical clowns as an intervention strategy with adult outpatients suffering from chronic illnesses. The study is based on content analysis of the documentation of the work of two medical clowns over two years. The dominant theme involves the definition of the clown's role and includes perspectives on his integration into the hospital's multidisciplinary medical staff and his impact on the staff and on patients and their families. The finding is discussed in light of the dual role of the medical social worker as coordinator and as a case manager, and the challenge of integrating medical clowns in treatment of adult patients. There is room for further exploration of the contribution of medical clowns to assisting and improving the quality of life for patients and hospital staff.