TY - JOUR T1 - Narrative-based medicine and the general practice consultation JF - Canadian Family Physician JO - Can Fam Physician SP - 286 LP - 290 VL - 64 IS - 4 AU - George Zaharias Y1 - 2018/04/01 UR - http://www.cfp.ca/content/64/4/286.abstract N2 - Objective To raise awareness of narrative-based medicine (NBM) as a valuable approach to the consultation, which, if practised more widely by GPs, would convey considerable benefits to both patient and doctor.Sources of information Principally, this article draws on the perspectives of 2 of NBM’s key proponents, John Launer and Rita Charon, and which are complemented by the perspectives of several other authors.Main message This article examines NBM in relation to patient-centred care and the particular skills that are required to practise NBM. Narrative-based medicine brings together skills from other fields of practice—skills that are not beyond the capabilities of GPs—conferring benefits on patient and doctor. Narrative-based medicine’s skills enhance the patient-centred method and an evidence-based approach.Conclusion The literature speaks very loudly about the importance of narrative and of understanding the illness experience. What makes NBM stand out is the fact that it is a collaborative and mutually beneficial process, having the power to create a new narrative—a narrative that heals and transforms the patient and the doctor. ER -