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
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.
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