Using written narratives in public health practice: A creative writing perspective

Abstract

Narratives have become an increasingly common health communication tool in recent years. Vivid, engaging writing can help audiences identity with storytellers and understand health messages, but few public health practitioners are trained to create such stories. A transdisciplinary perspective, informed by both creative writing advice and evidence-based public health practices, can help public health professionals use stories more effectively in their work. This article provides techniques for creating written narratives that communicate health information for chronic disease prevention. We guide public health professionals through the process of soliciting, writing, and revising such stories, and we discuss challenges and potential solutions.