“Many people know nothing about us”: narrative medicine applications at a student-run free clinic

ABSTRACT

Narrative medicine is an approach to healthcare that acknowledges the stories of patients’ lives both within and beyond the clinical setting. Narrative medicine has been increasingly recognized as a promising tool to support modern educational needs in health professions training, such as interprofessional practice, while enhancing quality of care. Here, we describe the development, implementation, and application of a narrative medicine program at the University of Minnesota Phillips Neighborhood Clinic. First, in a qualitative analysis of patient stories (n = 12) we identified themes regarding the value of the storytelling experience; patients’ personal journeys; and patients’ experiences in healthcare and other systems. Second, an interprofessional educational activity for student volunteers (n = 57) leveraging a patient narrative was observed to be satisfactory, significantly improve attitudes toward the underserved, and enhance quality of care from the perspectives of trainees. Together, findings from the two studies imply the potential benefits of broader incorporation of narrative medicine into interprofessional service settings, for both learners and patients.

KEYWORDS:

• health and social care
• interprofessional practice
• mixed methods
• narrative medicine
• student-run free clinic
• underserved communities

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, we thank the patients who honestly and bravely shared their stories. We also thank Riley Swenson, Zelda Blair, Emily Fjeldstad, Krystal Heinen, and Mary (Ellie) Krienke for gathering stories; and Nancy Baker and David Power for early guidance in shaping the project. We acknowledge the support of the University of Minnesota Medical School’s Center for the Art of Medicine and Paulson Community Enrichment Program, and Association for Prevention Teaching and Research’s Paul Ambrose Scholars Program.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Association of Prevention Teaching and Research; the University of Minnesota

Notes on contributors

Marvin So

Marvin So, MD, MPH is a community-based researcher, organizer, and physician who previously led community relations for the Phillips Neighborhood Clinic. He is still listening to stories as a resident family doctor at a community health center in Richmond, California.

Emma Sedarski

Emma Sedarski, PharmD is a clinical pharmacist and recent graduate from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. During her time as a pharmacy student, Emma was engaged in community outreach projects, patient engagement efforts, and in supporting the next generation of pharmacy and medical learners.

Megan Parries

Megan Parries, PharmD participated in Phillips Neighborhood Clinic in various pharmacy and leadership roles. She continues to focus on caring for underserved populations in her pharmacy residency program.

Brian Sick

Brian Sick, MD is a Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Medical School. His research, educational efforts, and leadership are in the fields of interprofessional education and the care of underserved populations.