Narrative Medicine for Gastrointestinal Cancer
Trial Summary
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since it involves narrative medicine and not a new drug, it's likely you can continue your current treatments.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Narrative Medicine for gastrointestinal cancer?
Research shows that narrative medicine, which involves patients sharing their personal stories, can improve patient experience and satisfaction. For example, a study found that cancer patients who participated in a narrative program had higher satisfaction scores compared to those who did not participate.12345
Is Narrative Medicine safe for humans?
There is no specific safety data available for Narrative Medicine or its related interventions like Reflective Writing or Close Reading in the context of gastrointestinal cancer or other conditions. However, these interventions generally involve storytelling and writing, which are non-invasive and typically considered safe.678910
How is the treatment Narrative Medicine unique for gastrointestinal cancer?
What is the purpose of this trial?
This clinical trial assesses whether narrative medicine methods may improve the sense of well-being among gastrointestinal (GI) (digestive system) cancer patients. Narrative medicine is a clinical approach where providers can use a patient's own narrative (perspective) of their illness to promote healing and resilience. By applying narrative medicine's main tool, close reading, to clinical practice, clinicians learn to listen and attend to patients more deeply. This allows for freer communication and the creation of a healthcare encounter that centers on the psychological and emotional well being of the patient in addition to their medical conditions. Narrative medicine can include close reading, creative or reflective writing, and discussion. These methods may help patients with GI cancer to reflect on their life stories, both inside and outside of their illness experience, and help them gather skills to optimize their well-being.
Research Team
Eve L Makoff, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Southern California
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for patients with gastrointestinal cancers. Participants should be interested in exploring narrative medicine, which involves discussion, interviews, and surveys to reflect on their life stories and illness experiences.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants participate in narrative medicine sessions over 60 minutes once every 2 weeks for 3 sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in well-being scores and completion of narrative medicine sessions
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Narrative Medicine
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Southern California
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator