Reflective narratives as an approach and tool to enhancing behavioral uptake of cancer prevention remmendations

Authors: Meyskens FL

Category: Behavioral Science & Health Communication
Conference Year: 2020

Abstract Body:
Purpose: To develop an educational program of reflective narratives as a useful tool for modification of lifestyle behaviors by ASPO trainees and investigators. Methods: Reflective prose narratives (e.g., storytelling, memoirs) have been demonstrated in many disciplines as a useful and effective means to change a wide range of behaviors that favorably alter the outcomes and processing of life-threatening events including acute (e.g., a diagnosis of cancer) and chronic illnesses (e.g., palliative and end of life{PEOL} events). The reading, writing, and speaking of reflective poetry involves a different realm of mental involvement and has been less well characterized. Results: We have demonstrated that the reading and writing of poetry via individualized workshops and large interactive participating symposia concerned with PAEOL issues holds promise for educating a wide range of medical professionals (medical students to attendings) about cancer care and may favorably affect the management and outcome of "Burnout". Conclusions: Adoption of poetry reading, writing, and speaking should be explored as a novel approach to enhancing communication by prevention experts. A reflective narrative program should be developed by ASPO as a tool to enhance prevention communication and lessen professional "Burnout" in Prevention-oriented professionals

Keywords: refective narratives, poetry,educational