Embedding narrative medicine in primary healthcare: Exploration and practice from a medical humanities perspective

Table 1 Active listening and recording

Narrative element	Patient description example	Clinical relevance
Symptom onset	"The pain started three months ago after working overtime..."	Suggests that overwork may trigger chronic pain
Emotional state	"Recently, I have been having insomnia due to anxiety about my child's school admission"	Requires evaluation of the potential impact of anxiety on immune function
Social support	"I take care of the elderly alone, with no assistance from friends or family"	Community nursing resources should be considered