110 Chapter 7 ABSTRACT Purpose Stigmatization and poor awareness of many women’s health concerns is a major public health problem. This study analyzes the impact of a narrative medicine (NM) intervention designed for obstetrical-gynecological (OB-GYN) professionals and patients in a Dutch hospital, It used a co-created, site-specific poem based on patient and clinician lived experience narratives to stimulate meaningful discussions about taboo topics and provide an opportunity for participants to learn about and from each other’s perspectives and experiences. Method This qualitative study employed a thematic analysis of 36 written reflections collected in three 1-hour NM sessions as well as follow-up interviews with 14 participants (aged ≥18 years, fluently Dutch speaking). Results Analysis of the anonymous written reflections and interviews indicates that OB-GYN professionals and patients valued the commissioned poem as an unexpected and engaging source of inspiration for the exploration of patients’ perspectives. Participants also was deemed NM an appropriate approach to support multidisciplinary discussion. The written responses and interviews also pointed to valuable areas of focus for a subsequent NM training. Conclusion This study offers a contribution to the field of narrative medicine teaching by showing such interventions can be used in continuing education interventions in the workplace. Our sitespecific artwork for a Dutch OB-GYN department encourages meaningful discussions between health care providers and patients. Poetry, in this case a co-created, site-specific work, can reveal new facets of patients’ perspectives and needs. Keywords narrative medicine; obstetrics, gynecology; qualitative research
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