A Whole Other Story: Interpreting Narrative Medicine. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Salana, Kristen; Maty, Shauna; Hage, Robert
• Is Part Of: Global advances in health and medicine. Volume 10(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: narrative medicine -- patient communication -- global health -- Interpretation; Integrative medicine -- Periodicals; Public health -- Research -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Integrative medicine; Medicine; Medicine -- Research; Public health; Public health -- Research; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1177/21649561211031880
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2164-957X

Abstract

The practice of conventional medicine is rooted in the ability of a patient to effectively communicate with their physician, and for the physician to comprehend the patient's story and perceive it through the lens of evidence-based practice. In reality, the differences in environmental backgrounds hinders this exchange of information and prevents a shared understanding and strategy. Narrative medicine provides a framework in which this divide can be bridged by encouraging the clinician to develop an appreciation of cultural nuances that drive a patient's decision making. The importance of this practice is highlighted with four stories in which the only path to competent patient management was through the utilization of narrative medicine.