Analysis of Student Reflections on ‘‘What Matters Most’’ to Palliative Care Patients: A Narrative Medicine Exercise

Abstract

Background: Effective communication with ill patients requires practice, yet, the traditional history overlooks patients’ personal stories. This information is vital to determining goals of care and facilitates partnership by building trust. Objective: We implemented a narrative medicine exercise for students during their palliative medicine rotation to highlight humanism. Impact was determined through thematic analysis of students’ reflections. Design: Students elicited ‘‘what matters most’’ to patients, transcribing this plus a personal reflection. Using an inductive and iterative approach, 100 reflections were analyzed, developing codes then broader themes. Results: Four main themes (Getting to know the patient, Student Reaction, Building-blocks of patient-physician relationship, Student Personal Insights) were identified, with 15 subthemes. Conclusion: The power of uncovering patients’ backgrounds and values was demonstrated, reinforcing a palliative medicine approach. Analysis showed a positive impact and the possibility of change to future practice. The intervention was feasible, well received, and encouraged reflection on the physician-patient relationship beyond the medical domain.