Narrative Based Medicine

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: The field of narrative-based medicine (NBM) emerged as a topic of academic study at Columbia University in 2001, started by Dr. Rita Charon. Developed to be the polar opposite to the existing model of evidence-based medicine (EBM) which focuses on quantifiable data, NBM works to prioritize individualism in clinical settings through narration as well as active and attentive listening. Narrative-based patient care offers clinicians a way of better understanding how individuals process their illness(es) and allows both patient and doctor a means of cultivating a cooperative relationship built on empathy and trust, especially necessary in cases of chronic illness. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of narrative-based medicine and ways to integrate it into the current systems of patient care. Design and Methods: This assignment is based on existing and contemporary literature regarding the understanding of narrative-based medicine in relation to evidence-based medicine, the benefits and challenges faced by NBM, and ways of blending the two approaches to cultivate an optimized approach to both patient care and the doctor-patient relationship. Results: The significance of this study is that the existing model of evidence-based medicine lacks the level of individualism and empathy needed by patients to encourage complicity in care, and providers in understanding how singular experiences impact one's journey through and with illness. The inclusion of narrative-based medicine into the system of evidence-based medicine stands to increase the quality of care that patients receive. Conclusions: There is a considerable necessity for NBM for patients, especially those with chronic illnesses. The desire for integration between NBM and EBM is ongoing, culminating, hopefully, in a better understanding of patients' and doctors' needs in order to give/receive the best care possible. Keywords: Narrative-based medicine, Evidence-based medicine, storytelling, narration, medicine, chronic illness