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Review
. 2018 Mar;64(3):176-180.

What is narrative-based medicine? Narrative-based medicine 1

George Zaharias  1
Affiliations
Review

What is narrative-based medicine? Narrative-based medicine 1

George Zaharias. Can Fam Physician. 2018 Mar.

Abstract
in English, French

Objective: To raise awareness of narrative-based medicine (NBM) as a valuable approach to the consultation, which, if practised more widely by GPs, would convey considerable benefits to both patients and physicians.

Sources of information: Principally, the perspectives of 2 of NBM's key proponents, Rita Charon and John Launer.

Main message: This first in a series of 3 articles outlines what NBM is and its benefits. In holding the patient story as central, NBM shifts the doctor's focus from the need to problem solve to the need to understand. As a result, the patient-doctor relationship is strengthened and the patient's needs and concerns are addressed more effectively and with improved health outcomes.

Conclusion: The healing power of narrative is repeatedly attested to but the scientific evidence is sparse. If NBM is to be incorporated more broadly in clinical practice, more research is needed to better define NBM's role, understand the specific skills required for practice, and determine NBM's outcomes with respect to illness and disease.

Objectif: Mieux faire comprendre la médecine narrative comme approche valable des consultations qui, si elle était pratiquée plus largement par les omnipraticiens, apporterait des bienfaits considérables tant aux patients qu’aux médecins.

Sources de l’information: Principalement les points de vue de 2 des principaux préconisateurs de la médecine narrative, Rita Charon et John Launer.

Message principal: Ce premier article d’une série de 3 donne un aperçu de la médecine narrative et de ses bienfaits. En considérant l’histoire du patient comme essentielle, la médecine narrative fait passer l’attention du médecin de la nécessité de régler un problème à la nécessité de comprendre. Par conséquent, la relation patient-médecin est renforcée, et le patient voit une réponse plus efficace à ses besoins et à ses préoccupations, dont découlent de meilleurs résultats sur le plan de la santé.

Conclusion: Le pouvoir de guérison de la narration est sans cesse confirmé, mais les données scientifiques sont peu nombreuses. Pour intégrer davantage la médecine narrative plus généralement dans la pratique clinique, il faudra plus de recherche afin de définir plus précisément son rôle, de comprendre les habiletés particulières requises pour l’exercer et de déterminer ses résultats en ce qui concerne les problèmes de santé et les maladies.

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