Introducing reflective narrative for first-year medical students to promote empathy as an integral part of physiology curriculum

Guided reflective narratives facilitate deeper understanding and learning. The study was aimed at exploring the scope of guided reflective narratives on early clinical exposure, for first-year medical students, in promoting empathy. Strengths and limitations of the process of reflective narratives were also explored. First-year medical students (n = 150) were exposed to guided reflective narrative writing following each of the three "early clinical exposure" sessions integrated into a physiology curriculum. A feedback on the entire program was obtained through a semistructured questionnaire. The contents of the reflective narratives and feedback on the program were analyzed. Students empathized with the situation and needs of patients and caregivers and could relate to responsibilities and challenges faced by members of health care team. They realized the importance of cooperation from patients and caregivers and work efficiency, communication, behavior, and teamwork from members of healthcare and thereby emerged with the idea of the coordinated effort in patient care. Students opined that reflective narratives made them reflect and empathize with people and situations. Too many narrative writing sessions and hesitation to share their thoughts were some of the suggested limitations. The process led to emergence of a working model for guided reflections to promote empathy. Guided reflective narratives made students reflect and relate to people and situations. While promoting empathy, the reflections also gave them an idea of holistic approach to patient-centered care. Inferences led to a conceptual model for guided reflections to promote empathy among medical students.