What is Narrative Medicine?
The first question a doctor should ask when seeing their patient is not “How can I treat your disease?”, but rather, “How can I help you?”.
Medicine has evolved to become better at diagnosing and developing cures for the disease, but for many years, we have been falling short of providing empathetic, meaningful care for the person.
Behind every patient, there is a story which often goes unheard. These stories provide us with clues about how a patient might’ve gotten sick, risk factors in their everyday life that may warrant their return, and what support systems may or may not be available for them during their healing journey. Such bits and pieces of patients’ stories can help providers understand their patient beyond the lens of biological disease. Thus, when considering the value of the patient’s story, these factors makes it all the more important to listen to the patient’s narrative and integrate it into the way we care for them.
The Practice of Narrative Medicine
Bridging together the disciplines of English and Medicine in enhancing the provision of patient-centred care, narrative medicine aims to utilize literature, writing, and other creative means to exercise empathy within the patient-provider relationship. The term ‘‘Narrative Medicine” was first coined in 2000 by Dr. Rita Charon, a physician and English Ph.D., who founded the first Narrative Medicine program at Columbia University.
“[Narrative medicine] is a commitment to understanding patients’ lives, caring for the caregivers, and giving voice to the suffering.”
The practice of narrative medicine ultimately seeks to enhance narrative competence– the ability to recognize, absorb, interpret, and be moved by the stories of patients – in healthcare providers. In providing patients and providers with a creative outlet for self and interpersonal exploration and understanding, narrative medicine can also improve observational, critical thinking and active listening skills, which are all essential to building a strong sense of trust and understanding with others. Overall, narrative medicine strives to restore empathy in the patient-provider relationship and promote not only personalized, but also personable care.
Exploring Narrative Medicine at UBC
Narrative medicine and the development of narrative competence skills should not be limited to practicing healthcare professionals, as it is a valuable asset for anyone and everyone as social human beings.
Humanities in Healthcare (HIH) intends to provide UBC students of all faculties and programs with a local introduction to narrative medicine and other aspects of the medical humanities through a diverse array of events. HIH especially prides itself on the Narrative Medicine Book Club, which offers students the opportunity to read and discuss excerpts of patient and provider reflections. The group uses these texts as a launching pad for rich discussions on underlying issues in the healthcare system. Topics include the intersection of race, culture, gender/sexuality, and other social determinants of health as they may affect how one navigates through the healthcare system.
Interested in joining the Narrative Medicine Book Club? Stay tuned on our social media for book club meeting dates!
Instagram: @ubc.hih
Facebook: AMS Humanities in Healthcare
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Please note that the Narrative Medicine Book Club is exclusive to HIH members only. If you are not yet a member and would like to join, you can sign up here.
Thanks for your interest in Narrative Medicine and we hope to see you at some for our events!
By: Madison Estrella (she/her/hers) | HIH Co-Founder & Co-President
