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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care

Published on: February 16, 2011

Narrative palliative care: a method for building empathy.

Patricia Stanley¹, Marsha Hurst

¹Program in Narrative Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. patstan@optonline.net

Journal of Social Work in End-Of-Life & Palliative Care

|March 11, 2011

Summary

Narrative medicine helps patients, caregivers, and clinicians make meaning of illness and suffering at the end of life. Storytelling and reflective writing validate experiences and foster connection during palliative care.

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Last Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care

Published on: February 16, 2011

Area of Science:

Medical Humanities
Palliative Care
Narrative Medicine

Background:

Illness, suffering, and death are often understood and processed through storytelling.
Narrative plays a crucial role in connecting individuals and validating experiences, especially in end-of-life care.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the intersection of narrative and palliative care.
To examine how patient, caregiver, and clinician narratives facilitate connection and validate suffering.
To introduce narrative competence skills and a narrative medicine workshop format.

Main Methods:

Discussion of narrative competence, including skills of attention, representation, and affiliation.
Outline of a narrative medicine workshop format.
Analysis of an experiential exercise involving close reading and reflective writing.

Main Results:

Narratives serve as a vital tool for making meaning of end-of-life experiences.
The act of telling and listening to stories honors and validates the experience of suffering.
Narrative competence skills are essential for effective communication in palliative care.

Conclusions:

Narrative approaches are integral to providing compassionate and effective palliative care.
Developing narrative competence enhances the ability to connect with and support patients and families.
Reflective writing and close reading exercises can foster empathy and understanding in healthcare professionals.