giovanna-sirianni

Exploring patient-generated narratives in the electronic health record to support whole-person care

Giovanna Sirianni

MD, CCFP (PC), FCFP, MScCH

Associate Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Award: 2024 Compassion and Artificial Intelligence Fellowship

Themes:
  • Dignity in care
  • Narrative
  • Patient-generated Health data (PGHD)

To date, patient-generated health data (PGHD) has largely focused on the role of clinical measures in health care provision. The role of patient stories and values as a key source of PGHD is largely an untapped opportunity in the digital technology sphere. This work explores the feasibility and acceptability of including patient narratives in the electronic health record (EHR) to support the provision of whole-person care. Through the lens of Dignity Conserving Care, Giovanna’s study examines the potential value to both patients and healthcare providers of leveraging connectedness through stories. A scoping review will analyze key factors in the provision of compassionate care by health professions learners and faculty. It will also explore work-to-date incorporating holistic patient narratives in the EHR. Through interviews with health professions learners, physicians and patients, the qualitative study will explore ways to enable compassionate care through the provision of patient stories in EHRs.