Seeing the person behind an illness,  and understanding their story is critical to supporting them through an illness. Narrative medicine  provides a framework to better understand this person centred approach and is something I explore with Dr Joe Hawkins. In today’s episode, you’ll hear how Joe used words initially as a form of catharsis, then as a tool to share ideas with health care professionals and now as a way of reaching patients and the public too. Listen in to hear the impact of narrative medicine.

This episode has been kindly supported by the Living Well Dying Well Trust. The creation, development and content of the episode remains the responsibility of Clare Fuller.

Key messages

• Dr Joe Hawkins’ work in palliative medicine and what drew him to the specialty.

• How his creative writing grew from personal reflection into advocacy for patients and the public.

• Narrative medicine and  understanding a person’s story, not only their symptoms.

• How listening to people’s histories can support person-centred care and decision-making.

• Examples of everyday interactions revealing what matters most to patients.

• The value of reading and shared stories in building understanding and resilience.

• Joe’s website and his progress with wills and lasting powers of attorney

Resource

• Listen to Joe’s previous podcast at Diagnosing Dying & the power of words with Dr Joe Hawkins 

• Access The Palliative Doctor: palliativedoctor.co.uk  Joe’s website, with blogs, articles, humour, poetry and information about his independent palliative care service.

• Access the book mentioned by Joe Cancer, Ya Dancer! By Willy Maley 

• Find out more about prognostic tools at Prognostic tools or clinical predictions: Which are better in palliative care?

Bio

Dr Joseph Hawkins is an NHS employed consultant and specialist in Palliative Medicine. As well as a keen author of many articles and poems he offers bespoke consultations reviewing pain or other symptom challenges in those with a life limiting condition at any stage from diagnosis onwards. 

On Dr Hawkins’s website you can find free to access resources written by Dr Hawkins for health care professionals, patients and relatives. In addition contact details and fee structure is available should a private consultation be desired. 

Link: https://www.thepalliativedoctor.co.uk/articles-to-stimulate