Narrative medicine in ethics education: from theory to practice

Abstract

Historically, medicine has been grounded in storytelling; however, contemporary practice has shifted toward expertise and empirical data, often neglecting the patient's narrative. This shift has created a gap in understanding the complexity of human suffering. Narrative medicine bridges this gap by prioritizing empathy, ethical sensitivity, and patient-centred care. It integrates patients’ life experiences and cultural backgrounds into clinical practice and aims to harmonize empirical methodologies with phenomenological insights. This review examines the theoretical foundations and practical applications of narrative medicine, particularly within medical ethics education. It highlights how narrative approaches improve moral reasoning, empathy, and cultural competence in healthcare professionals. Pedagogical methods such as reflective writing, attentive reading, and group discussions enhance ethical awareness and improve practitioners' capacity to manage complex clinical situations. Narrative medicine promotes a comprehensive understanding of illness and care by bridging the gap between evidence-based medicine and narrative approaches; it can also be integrated into education to address challenges such as cultural diversity, health inequalities, and ethical dilemmas arising from technological developments. However, ethical issues like power dynamics, privacy, and representation in patient narratives require careful management. Despite the existing challenges, narrative medicine offers a transformative framework for rethinking medical education and practice, ensuring that healthcare remains empathetic, equitable, and ethical.