About the patient narrative

The term Patient Narrative means listening to the patient’s own description of their situation. 

Listening and dialogue are the foundation of our ability to work in a person-centred way. In the narrative, both the patient and the professionals are given an understanding of how the person can use their resources and abilities in the best possible manner in order to deal with their ill-health. It is often the case that both patients and their relatives contribute to the patient narrative. It is important that this is documented as a complement to medical assessments. The goal is to come to an agreement regarding care that is adapted to the person’s resources, situation and the current condition. 

The patient narrative can sometimes be created on one single occasion, in a conversation with the patient and perhaps their relatives. However, it is usually created over several occasions and can be documented by different groups of professionals within the health and social care system. For example, the patient may start talking about themselves and their situation on a hospital ward and then continue on a later occasion at a health centre or a retirement home.

The person’s own perception and experience of their condition is important. How do the symptoms affect their daily life? What previous experience does the patient or their relatives have of the condition? 

Together, we need to find out how their daily life functions and what resources and needs the person has. Resources may include qualities such as a strong will, a positive outlook on life or driving forces of other kinds. It may also involve resources such as a functioning social network or suitable accommodation. In short, we need to know more about the person in addition to the pathological picture. Understanding more can enable us, together with patients, to make decisions that are tailored to their situation.

In order for the patient to be able and willing to share their story, the professionals need to be attentive and ask open questions. Both the patient and their relatives must have the confidence to tell their story, and the professionals must be good listeners. We want the patient and their relatives to feel comfortable talking about things they feel are of significance to the situation and perhaps things they rarely reflect on. In order to create that trust and to really understand what the patient means, the professionals need to be skilled listeners and take the time to let the narrative emerge. How we talk, listen and observe is something we can always keep practising and improving. 

The patient’s narrative makes it possible for the professionals to, together with the patient, tailor their healthcare, treatment and social care. As a result, the patient becomes more aware of their own resources, trusts in their own ability and is thus able to take greater responsibility for their health. Research has shown that this can lead to an increased sense of security and improved quality of life.