Using patient stories to reflect on care

There is an increasing emphasis on, and commitment to, using patient narratives in nursing practice and nurse education. Listening to the voices of those receiving our care is just the beginning. The challenge is to use these narratives to improve practice and the patient experience. This seven-part series will present narratives from three fields of nursing: adult, mental health and learning disability. Each article will include opportunities to reflect on the stories presented and consider their implications for practice. Part 1 explores how patient narratives can be used as an evidence base for nursing practice. It uses a patient story to explore the unintended consequences of communication between a nurse and a patient, as well as how the environment in which patients find themselves can relay important messages.