A narrative medicine intervention in pediatric residents led to sustained improvements in resident well-being

Our longitudinal narrative medicine pilot study showed meaningful sustained qualitative benefits, though no quantitative changes, in measured well-being outcomes that have been previously associated with lower resident burnout. While not a panacea, narrative medicine can be a useful strategy for residency programs to improve pediatric resident well-being even after completion of planned interventions.Key MessageWe used a mixed-methods approach to assess the effects of a longitudinal narrative medicine intervention on well-being in pediatric residents.Open-ended responses indicated that residents found utility in and appreciated the intervention and experienced sustained improvements in their mental and emotional health, though the sample size was likely too small to show quantitative changes in well-being measures.Narrative medicine is not a panacea, but it can be a useful tool to provide to pediatric residents to promote sustained improvements in their well-being through the framework of relationship-centered care.