Healing Beyond Cure: An Online Narrative Medicine Platform on Palliative Care.

Abstract

Background: In Hong Kong, there is a lack of understanding towards the goals and applications of palliative care. With the rise of telehealth, web-based initiatives can build knowledge and enhance relationships between patients and healthcare workers in palliative care. Objectives: As an online platform, Healing Beyond Cure (HBC) aims to generate discourse on palliative care using a narrative medicine approach. Specific objectives arise for each target group: for the public, to reduce stigma on related topics; for patients and caregivers, to create a supportive community for engaging with other patients and healthcare professionals; for healthcare professionals and students, to strengthen knowledge and empathy. Practices: HBC will feature narratives from interviews with patients, highlighting aspects of their disease course and experiences with palliative care, to emphasize the diverse forms of care that exist. Various media types will be used to optimize accessibility. Experts from different disciplines will share their insights and answer users’ questions, underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of palliative care. Interactive forums and the use of social media will allow for discussions on relevant themes. Implications: For patients and the public, HBC encourages dialogue on topics that may be a taboo. Healthcare professionals, who may face challenges in decision-making on patient management, can gain knowledge and confidence regarding early integration of palliative care. On medical education, students can better understand their roles as healthcare professionals beyond curing disease. Ultimately, HBC supports palliative care delivery for patients early on in the disease course, to improve their and caregivers’ quality of life.