Reflective Writing as a Medical Education Intervention in Value Identification

Values are an essential aspect of day-to-day life, both in healthcare and in society as a whole. Values affect both the smaller decisions we make and our overall goals. Because of this, it is important for physicians to be prepared to help patients identify individual values, which begins with needing to be able to identify their own personal values. One way to prepare students to do this is through the lens of narrative medicine, a discipline which uses the skills of close reading and reflective writing as techniques for enhancing clinical skills and patient care. An introductory workshop on reflective writing and value identification was offered to first- and second-year medical students. The workshop was capped at twelve participants to ensure a small group environment. Participants were provided with a brief presentation on value identification, followed by a guided reflection time. Students were presented with a passage from a physician memoir, followed by three reflective writing prompts. After the reflective writing portion, participants shared their writing and discussed the value of community while in healthcare training and how reflective writing groups help reduce burnout and create better connection between peers. Workshop members also highlighted the ways in which these skills could apply to their future practice in a variety of different fields (including primary care, surgical, and further specialized). In fact, 92% of participants marked "Strongly Agree" for the statements: "This workshop was relevant to my future as a physician." and "An understanding of personal values will help me to be a better future physician." The combined metrics of the optional end of workshop survey as well as the remarks made during group discussion lead to the conclusion that small reflective writing groups focused around a specific topic offer a valuable communication and relationship intervention in medical education.