A narrative reasoning course to promote patient-centred practice in a physiotherapy undergraduate programme: a qualitative study of final year students

Abstract

Background: Narrative reasoning has been presented as a core component of the health professionals’ competencies.

Aim of the study: This study aimed to explore the students’ perspectives about the contribution of a narrative reasoning course to promote patient-centred practice.

Methods: An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was undertaken through focus groups. Eighteen volunteer final year students participated in three focus groups. Data analysis followed the IPA principles.

Findings: Three themes emerged: (1) “developing distinctive competencies”; (2) “shifting students’ focus” and (3) “challenging students’ professional identity”. In the first theme, students distinguished their capability to better understand patients’ experiences and needs and to be aware of the importance of a collaborative therapeutic relationship. In the second theme, students emphasized a shift from themselves as clinicians towards their patients. Finally, in the third theme participants shared the perspective that they have developed a different clinical profile, and that their reasoning and clinical actions have changed.

Conclusions: Students recognized the contribution of the course in developing competencies to facilitate patient-centred practice. Future research is needed to inform lecturers on how to best integrate narrative reasoning within the physiotherapy undergraduate curricula.