patientengeschichten

Patientengeschichten are narrative accounts provided by patients describing their experiences with disease, healthcare processes, or treatment outcomes. These stories are used in medical research, education, and patient advocacy to illustrate the human side of healthcare that quantitative data alone cannot convey. They can be collected through interviews, written submissions, or recorded videos and are often anonymized to protect privacy.

The concept has its roots in qualitative research and medical humanities, gaining prominence in the late 20th century as clinicians sought to improve empathy and communication. Patientengeschichten have been incorporated into patient-centered care initiatives, where healthcare teams review narratives to better understand patients’ values, preferences, and concerns. They also support shared decision-making by giving patients a clearer sense of possible risks and benefits.

In addition to clinical contexts, patientengeschichten are widely shared in patient support groups, disease-awareness campaigns, and informational websites. Media organizations sometimes feature selected stories to raise public awareness or highlight gaps in the health system. When used responsibly, these stories can empower patients, inform policy, and guide the development of more responsive healthcare services.

Ethical considerations are paramount: consent, confidentiality, and the potential for reidentification must be managed carefully. Institutional review boards typically oversee the collection and dissemination of patient narratives, ensuring that storytellers are treated with dignity and that their experiences are not exploited.