Authors (including presenting author) :
KAM KW(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Patient Resources Centre
Introduction :
In light of growing evidences on the positive effect of Narrative Therapy (NT) in medical setting, a new initiative on the application of this psychotherapy was launched to guide the implementation of a Collaborative Project for Supporting Patients with Diabetes.
Objectives :
1.Conduct collaborative conversation with stakeholders to review the current status and consult their preferred direction for project implementation 2.Apply NT to guide the implementation of the Collaborative Project
Methodology :
In the planning process, David Epston’s ideas on “co-research” was incorporated to consult stakeholders i.e. staff from M&G (n=2), PRC staff (n=2) and committee members of a patient group named the Sweetie Buddies (SB) (n=12) on their thoughts and opinions. Meanwhile, NT was adopted to guide the project implementation, monitoring and service review.
Result & Outcome :
(1)Deconstruction: The conversation with stakeholders started from January 2019. They viewed that SB was filling with “problem-saturated story”. e.g. “辛辛苦苦經營左3年的組，而家無啦！”, “都係阿XXX，整散個組”. From the deconstructing conversation, their perception on the dysfunctional communication among SB members filled them with worry, fear and anger. (2)Externalizing the problem: “Communication gap” was identified which affecting the cohesiveness of SB and the efficiency of project implementation. Stakeholders were invited to discuss the problematic experience and create space to develop storylines about ‘life outside the problem”, without blame or shame. (3)Mapping the Effects of the Problem: Stakeholders were leading to evaluate the influence of “Communication gap” through various domains, such as future goals, communication and collaboration, etc. (4)Searching for Hopeful Exceptions to the Problem: The overarching goal of NT aims to facilitate people constructing a preferred story. Stakeholders preferred fighting against the challenges and “Communication gap”, as well as re-engine the service delivery model for enhancing patient support. (5)Review on the Service Implementation: In December 2019, stakeholders reviewed that NT improved the efficiency and effectiveness of project implementation. Comparing the service outcomes with 2018, the number of patients with diabetes served has increased 107%. Moreover, the cohesiveness and communication of SB were greatly improved. To conclude, NT has positive benefits to the implementation of the Collaborative Project. Further research is needed for more empirical evidence to supports its effectiveness in medical context.
