Narrative Medicine
Using stories to improve patient care
Narrative medicine is an approach to patient care that recognizes the importance of stories in healing and diagnosis. This approach emphasizes the need for medical professionals to listen empathically to their patients' stories and to use those stories to inform their care.
- Stories are a powerful tool for healing and diagnosis
- Medical professionals should listen empathically to their patients' stories
- Narrative medicine can be used to supplement traditional analytical approaches to patient care
- Develop empathetic listening skillsLearn how to listen actively and empathically to patients' stories, without interrupting or judging.Pro tipUse techniques like reflective listening and open-ended questionsWarningBe aware of the potential for burnout and compassion fatigue
- Use stories to inform patient careUse the stories you hear from patients to inform your diagnosis and treatment plans.Pro tipConsider using narrative techniques like storytelling and role-playing to help patients understand their conditions and treatment optionsWarningBe mindful of the potential for stories to be misleading or inaccurate
- Keep a parallel chartKeep a separate chart for each patient, where you record their story and your own emotions and reflections.Pro tipUse this chart to reflect on your own biases and assumptionsWarningBe aware of the potential for this chart to become a burden or a source of stress
Dr. Charon teaches medical students how to listen empathically to patients' stories and use those stories to inform their care.
The Bellevue Literary Review publishes stories and essays from medical professionals and patients, highlighting the importance of narrative in medicine.
The concept of narrative medicine emerged from the work of Dr. Rita Charon, who recognized the importance of stories in patient care and developed a approach to teaching medical students how to listen to and use stories in their practice.