What is Narrative Medicine?

Narrative Medicine is a medical approach that encourages patients’ personal stories as an important part of treatment and healing.

How Does Narrative Medicine Work?

Narrative Medicine allows for the sharing of personal stories. It encourages open-ended conversations that help to enlighten care-givers and providers as to the “whole person” behind the underlying disease or injury. Through journaling or verbal sharing, patients relay what is important in their lives, how their illness affects them socially and emotionally, and what they might need to cope and navigate the illness journey. Providers listen with empathy and consider the content of these stories as they craft more individualized treatment plans.