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Updated: May 14, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Narrative literature and cancer: improving the doctor-patient relationship
Enrico Aitini1, Paola Bordi, Chiara Dell'agnola
1School of Oncology, Parma University, Parma, Italy. enrico.aitini@hotmail.com
Abstract:
The role of classical literature on the subject of pain and suffering in cancer and other serious illnesses, not only from the point of view of patients but also of hospital personnel, family, friends and family doctors, has not been deeply exploited to favor the human and professional experience of young and not so young oncologists. This manuscript is the result of an effort made by postgraduate students and faculty members at the School of Oncology at Parma University to review the literature on this subject. The aim of our work is to convey the message that before teaching relationship techniques it is important to instill a culture focused on the doctor-patient relationship. Classical literature can make an important contribution to awareness in this area.
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