Something in Nothing: Negative Space in the Clinician-Patient Relationship

The Article in Brief

Something in Nothing: Negative Space in the Clinician-Patient Relationship

Stephen A. Buetow

Background Negative space is an art term that refers to the space between or around subjects: if we ignore negative space, we risk seeing only what we expect to see, rather than what is there. Similarly, clinicians can easily miss the importance of how what is not present gives depth, perspective, and clues in patient visits. Being aware of negative space and looking carefully and without preconceptions can help clinicians strengthen their relationships with patients.