Narrative medicine applications for patient identity and quality of life in ventricular assist device (VAD) patients

What is it about?

This paper provides case reports to illustrate applications of Narrative Medicine (NM) in the care of patients with advanced heart failure who are treated with implanted ventricular assist devices (VADs). NM sessions mayhelp patients reflect on their situation, rediscover identity, and engage sources of meaning by telling or writing their story. This narrative process may encourage patient resilience and quality of life. The impact of illness and treatment on each patient may be understood more fully in light of each patient's unique identity and life story. Insights from NM visits may also help the treatment team as they assess patients' life situation including sources of support as well as goals and motivation for treatment.

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Why is it important?

Sharing and exploring personal narrative may help patents reclaim their place as the main character in their own story with autonomy and responsibility. This may encourage the patient to take an active and collaborative stance during treatment instead of being passive. NM stands at the intersection of treatment and quality of life concerns for patients with VAD implantation.

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