Narrative-based medicine and the general practice consultation: Narrative-based medicine 2

To raise awareness of narrative-based medicine (NBM) as a valuable approach to the consultation, which, if practised more widely by GPs, would convey considerable benefits to both patient and doctor.

Principally, this article draws on the perspectives of 2 of NBM's key proponents, John Launer and Rita Charon, and which are complemented by the perspectives of several other authors.

This article examines NBM in relation to patient-centred care and the particular skills that are required to practise NBM. Narrative-based medicine brings together skills from other fields of practice-skills that are not beyond the capabilities of GPs-conferring benefits on patient and doctor. Narrative-based medicine's skills enhance the patient-centred method and an evidence-based approach.

The literature speaks very loudly about the importance of narrative and of understanding the illness experience. What makes NBM stand out is the fact that it is a collaborative and mutually beneficial process, having the power to create a new narrative-a narrative that heals and transforms the patient and the doctor.