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Narrative Medicine & Graphic Medicine

Narrative Medicine Defined

While there is no single definition of narrative medicine, Rita Charon, an early pioneer in this field, describes it this way:

“[Narrative medicine] is a commitment to understanding patients’ lives, caring for the caregivers, and giving voice to the suffering.”

Rita Charon, MD, PhD
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

Narrative Medicine: A Model for Empathy, Reflection, Profession, and Trust | Narrative Medicine | JAMA | JAMA Network

Dr. Charon's Bibliography

Described another way, narrative medicine is the practice of paying attention to story in health care as a means of improving the clinical encounter and, ultimately, patient outcomes. 

Journals and Websites

Articles

Fioretti C, Mazzocco K, Riva S, Oliveri S, Masiero M, Pravettoni G. Research studies on patients’ illness experience using the Narrative Medicine approach: a systematic review. BMJ Open. 2016;6(7):e011220.

Krisberg, K. 2017.  Narrative medicine:  every patient has a storyAAMC News

Launer J, Wohlmann A. Narrative medicine, narrative practice, and the creation of meaning. Lancet. 2023;401(10371):98-99. 

Lewis B. Narrative medicine and contemplative care at the end of life. J Relig Health. 2016;55(1):309-324. 

Loy, M, Kowalsky R. Narrative medicine: the power of shared stories to enhance inclusive clinical care, clinician well-being, and medical education.  The Permanente Journal. Published online January 16, 2024.

Milota MM, van Thiel GJMW, van Delden JJM. Narrative medicine as a medical education tool: A systematic review. Med Teach. 2019;41(7):802-810.

Murphy JW, Franz BA, Schlaerth C. The Role of Reflection in Narrative Medicine. J Med Educ Curric Dev. 2018;5:2382120518785301. 

Nash W, Erondu M, Childress A. Expanding Narrative Medicine through the Collaborative Construction and Compelling Performance of Stories. J Med Humanit. 2023;44(2):207-225. 

Piver AC. Narrative-based medicine skills. Can Fam Physician. 2019;65(6):387.

Zaharias G. What is narrative-based medicine? Narrative-based medicine 1. Can Fam Physician. 2018;64(3):176-180.