I had the distinct privilege on Friday evening to attend a theatrical performance of "Wit" at TheaterWorks in Peoria, AZ. This is a play about a woman who is dying of advanced ovarian cancer. If you live in the Phoenix area, I would encourage you to try to see this play this week (it closes next weekend). You may have also seen this on HBO starring Emma Thompson. I'm sure it is available on DVD at the local video store.

In a nutshell, the story is about Vivian Bearing, a professor of English poetry (John Donne, specifically) who learns she has advanced stage 4 ovarian cancer. She undergoes eight rounds of chemotherapy, at the highest dose, to try to combat the disease. Her treatment is also part of a research protocol. As the play unfolds, Professor Bearing describes her experiences as a patient. She explains how she has to answer the question, "How are you feeling?" multiple times each visit to the hospital, even though it is evident that she is not feeling well. The play shows her being pushed back and forth between tests and x-rays and more tests. The story also grapples with the conflict, at times, between humane patient care and the need to gain information from research subjects.

By comparing her life and insights as a teacher of poetry, we understand better how the patient experiences the health care system. One example in particular that struck me was when one of Professor Bearing's former students, who is now a medical resident, comes in to take her history and conduct a pelvic examination. The former student is oblivious to how uncomfortable it is for this proud academic to now be subjected to an invasive examination by a physician more interested in research than in patient care. In the end, Vivian succumbs to her disease, as was almost inevitable due to the severity of her condition. There is a struggle over whether she was DNR (do not resuscitate) or whether they should try to keep her alive to continue the research protocol. The play shows her transcending this human conflict and dying in her own way at peace.

 

"Wit" truly is a must-view program for future health providers. The play had many valuable insights into the health care system and how hospitals can better listen to and treat their patients. The dignity of the patient is utmost in "Wit," as it should be with any patient experience. It is raw, real, and authentic. While not enjoyable in the "entertainment" sense, it is certainly powerful and well worth your time to watch it.