Embroidering Behaviour. The Power of Storytelling in Patient Activation

Abstract

We live in a world of stories, within a multiplicity of multidimensional narratives. We look upon stories for example, inspiration, guidance, or assurance. It is through stories that we learn as they are a universal source of knowledge, insight, and awareness. In a world made of change and challenges, finding meaning in the apparently random, chaotic, and unpredictable day by day life is the permanent job of our brain, a processor of stories. The confrontation with cancer, as a form of chronic illness, is one of the most challenging events people may came across in life. In Patient-Centred Care, stories and storytelling are regarded as an important tool for practice. We believe that through resonance both can be a valuable resource in behavioural change towards health and contribute to patients’ coping and empowerment. Design can play a fundamental role in this process through Health Design Thinking and its principles. Human-Centred Design means the needs of oncological patients, families, caregivers, and medical staff could be correctly and precisely identified and/or anticipated, and a creative mindset assures they could be addressed through resourceful written and presented stories to carefully embroidery behaviour towards the desired engagement and transformation.