Ricerc@Sapienza

The literature has identified promising findings regarding the application of methodology
using visual art to develop the cognitive skill of observation and description to enhance critical
thinking among medical students. This longitudinal controlled quasi-experimental study aims to
demonstrate that Visual Thinking Strategies method and other art activities are effective in
improving and maintaining the ability to observe, describe and critically interpret artistic or medical

This study describes how Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) as a methodological practice can help medical students learn and acquire analytical ability. This ability, capable of improving observational acumen and generally acquired only after years of clinical experience, may be achieved also by recourse to the systematic and reasoned examination of the visual arts, in particular paintings.