Unlocking the Power of Patient Narratives in Healthcare: A Unique Oral History Study

This groundbreaking work, conducted by Dr. Hetty Ockrim, a pioneering general practitioner, presents a comprehensive analysis of oral history interviews with over 70 patients, office staff, and members of the nursing team between 1989 and 1992 in Glasgow’s Ibrox/Govan areas, regions characterized by significant socio-economic deprivation.

A Historical Context for Healthcare Development

The study provides a rich historical context for healthcare developments over several decades, with many interviewees sharing memories predating the NHS. This unique perspective offers invaluable insights into the evolution of healthcare services and sheds light on areas for improvement in current and future general practice.

The Benefits of Oral History in Medical Research

Dr. Ockrim’s work demonstrates the growing importance of oral history methods in medical history research. By empowering patients to share their experiences and concerns, this approach offers a more personal and social perspective, moving beyond clinical issues alone.

Themes and Insights from the Oral History Study

The interviews cover a broad range of themes, including:

• The increasing acceptance of women in medicine and their perception by patients within the practice
• The importance of the doctor-patient interface and its impact on healthcare delivery
• Patient narratives and their role in shaping our understanding of healthcare services
• The significance of social inequality in healthcare and its implications for future service development

By presenting a history from below, this study amplifies the voices of patients and frontline healthcare workers, often overlooked in medical discourse. The result is a nuanced and multifaceted understanding of healthcare, highlighting the critical role of oral history in informing healthcare policy and practice.

Book Details

Published by CRC Press, 1st edition (April 12, 2023)

Language: English

Paperback: 184 pages

ISBN-10: 1032432136

ISBN-13: 978-1032432137