Perceptions of an Inter-Residency Narrative Medicine Curriculum

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Qualitative Research
• Healthcare Communication

Background:

• Narrative medicine (NM) equips clinicians with skills like close reading and reflection for better patient understanding.
• A gap exists in skilled facilitators for implementing NM in training programs.
• A hybrid virtual/in-person inter-residency NM curriculum was developed to address this gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore residents' perceptions of a novel NM curriculum.
• To understand the curriculum's influence on residents' personal and professional development.

Main Methods:

• Two focus group interviews were conducted with pediatrics residents.
• Residents attended monthly 50-minute NM workshops over one year.
• Focus group transcripts were thematically analyzed.

Main Results:

• Three key themes emerged: reconnecting with humanity via reflection, strengthening relationships, and appreciating institutional support.
• Residents reported enhanced connections with colleagues and patients.
• The curriculum fostered a sense of community and peer learning.

Conclusions:

• The inter-residency NM curriculum successfully built community among residents.
• Residents valued the reflective practice and peer/supervisor learning opportunities.
• The program demonstrated institutional support for NM initiatives.