In this paper, we describe a teaching experience of using the narrative approach with students in their third year of medical school at the Universidade Federal Fluminense. The analysis of their narratives pointed to themes that included admiration for their patients’ courage and generosity; an initial reticence to approach them, and a fear of disturbing them; a growing capability in communication; difficulties in dealing with their suffering and with expressing their emotions; understanding of their problems, points of view and experiences; and the establishment of relationships with patients based on friendliness and solidarity. The pedagogical approach of using narratives proved useful in terms of expanding the students’ understanding of the illness process and the experience of hospitalization, improving the student-patient relationship, facilitating self-awareness, reflection, the development of skills relating to empathy and communication, and the ability to identify, understand and deal with the emotions of others and with their own emotions.
Keywords
Medical education; Narrative medicine; Empathy