Narratives about illness and medication: a neglected theme/new methodology within pharmacy practice research. Part I: conceptual framework

Abstract

This paper sets out a conceptual and theoretical framework relevant to developing research in the area of narratives about medication. Drawing on an understanding and critique of the psychological, sociological and anthropological literature in the area of patients' narratives about health and illness, we argue that pharmacy practice researchers need to acknowledge and appreciate the insights that can come from engaging with narrative. We provide a critique of the current limitations of pharmacy practice research as applied to patient's use of medication and suggest that an appreciation of narrative might provide another window on the world of patients' experiences.