Navigating Uncertainty: The Role of Poetry in Reflecting Pediatric Clinical Complexities

Area of Science:

• Medical Humanities
• Qualitative Research Methods

Background:

• Pediatric medicine faces inherent uncertainties, amplified by emerging infectious diseases like coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• The complexities of diagnosis, transmission, and immunity present significant challenges for clinicians and families.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the use of poetry as a reflective narrative tool in pediatric medicine.
• To examine the uncertainties and ambiguities in clinical practice during infectious disease outbreaks.

Main Methods:

• A free verse poem was utilized as an investigative venue.
• The poem served as a qualitative method to capture lived experiences.

Main Results:

• Poetic verses illustrate shifting definitions of illness and diagnostic fluidity.
• The poem highlights the emotional and diagnostic challenges for patients, healthcare providers, and caregivers.
• It underscores the multifaceted nature of clinical practice.

Conclusions:

• Poetry can serve as a valuable qualitative research method in clinical medicine.
• It offers unique insights into the lived experiences within pediatric healthcare settings.
• This approach can illuminate the complexities of patient care during public health crises.