[Towards a notion of narrative from a care perspective]

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Medical Humanities
• Philosophy of Medicine

Context:

• The broadness of the narrative phenomenon in bioethics lacks clear definition.
• Existing approaches may not fully capture the patient's subjective experience of illness.

Purpose:

• To define a narrative-focused care perspective that enhances patient decision-making freedom.
• To explore how illness can facilitate a patient's self-encounter and integration of traumatic experiences.

Summary:

• An idea of narrative consistent with a care perspective is outlined.
• Illness is presented as a catalyst for a 'quest narrative,' enabling patients to find new meaning.
• Narrative care empowers patient freedom without over-reliance on autonomy or excessive interference.

Impact:

• Enhances patient freedom beyond mere autonomy in decision-making.
• Provides a framework for integrating traumatic health experiences into a coherent life narrative.
• Reduces the need for clinical interference by fostering self-directed patient empowerment.