Narrative Medicine Background and Use in Family Medicine

This module reviews the definition, history and core concepts of narrative medicine and helps physicians understand how narrative medicine can improve their practice, through improved physician-patient communication, empathy, and patient education.

Learning Objectives.  By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Describe the history and foundational concepts of narrative medicine.
• Identify strategies to utilize narrative medicine in patient care and resources for patient education and empowerment.

Speaker: Philip G. Day, PhD,  Associate Director of Education and an Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

0.25 Prescribed credits

Narrative Medicine as a Tool to Support Patients with Hereditary Cancer Risk

This module demonstrates how exploring a diverse range of patients’ hereditary cancer journeys and learning from other physicians' experiences can change physician perspectives and improve patient care.

Learning Objectives. By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Describe the benefits to both providers and patients of using narrative medicine and stories.
• Find stories and videos that help them as healthcare providers feel confident in helping patients and avoid burnout.
• Find stories and videos that help patients understand their cancer risk, find support, and take appropriate steps to help stay healthy.

Speaker: Maya Bass, MD MA FAAFP, Assistant Professor and Program Director, Department of Family Medicine, Cooper University

0.25 Prescribed credits

Setting up the Family Practice for Hereditary Breast Cancer Risk Assessment, Testing and Counseling, Part A

This two-part module addresses setting up the family practice office to assess and manage patients who may have a higher risk of hereditary cancer due to genetic factors. It covers risk assessment tools, practice protocols, finding and working with genetic counseling and testing, and helping providers and patients understand genetic test results.

Learning Objectives. By the end of this module, learners will be able to

• Overcome barriers to the risk assessment and genetic testing referral for patients at risk of hereditary cancer in their practice.
• Proceed with developing practice protocols, training, and other resources to make risk assessment and patient referrals routine.

Speaker: Susanna Evans, MD,  Associate Professor and Hamot Endowed Chair, Department of Family, Community & Preventive Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine.

0.25 Prescribed credits

Setting up the Family Practice for Hereditary Breast Cancer Risk Assessment, Testing and Counseling, Part B

This two-part module addresses setting up the family practice office to assess and manage patients who may have a higher risk of hereditary cancer due to genetic factors. It covers risk assessment tools, practice protocols, finding and working with genetic counseling and testing, and helping providers and patients understand genetic test results.

Learning Objectives. By the end of this module, learners will be able to

• Identify genetic testing and counseling resources in their community;
• Access resources that help them and their patients better understand genetic testing results.

Speaker: Susanna Evans, MD,  Associate Professor and Hamot Endowed Chair, Department of Family, Community & Preventive Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine.

0.25 Prescribed credits

Working with Genetic Counselors

This module helps primary care providers understand how genetic counselors are an important resource for patients who are considering genetic testing for hereditary cancers and other conditions and will address barriers and strategies to referring patients to genetic counselors.

Learning Objectives. By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Describe the services that genetic counselors provide to patients considering or undergoing genetic testing
• Overcome barriers that prevent primary care providers from using genetic counselors
• Find genetic counseling services that can be accessed virtually or in-person for their patients

Speaker: Uchenna Emeche, MD, Associate Medical Director, Medstar Franklin Square Family Health Center

0.25 Prescribed credits

Supporting Patients’ Common Questions and Concerns, Part A - Educational Resources for Talking with Families After Hereditary Cancer Screening

The process of risk assessment, screening and testing for hereditary cancers can raise complex questions about insurance coverage, privacy, discrimination, and telling family members for patients. This module helps primary care providers understand some of the common questions that patients may have and how to help them.

Learning Objectives. By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Listen compassionately to patients’ questions and concerns;
• Provide basic guidance to patients who have concerns about insurance coverage, privacy, and discrimination during hereditary cancer screening and testing.

Speaker: Tracey Conti, MD, Chair, Department of Family Medicine, UPMC and University of Pittsburgh

0.25 Prescribed credits

Supporting Patients’ Common Questions and Concerns, Part B - Common Questions about Insurance, Privacy, and Disclosure

This module focuses on skills and resources physicians and their healthcare teams can use to support patients who have discovered they may carry a harmful gene in sharing information with their relatives and loved ones.

Learning Objectives. By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Confidently and proactively promote the discussion of hereditary breast cancer risk between patients and their families;
• Direct patients to resources to help them prepare for discussions with family members about hereditary cancer risk.

Speaker: Sarah Inés Ramírez, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State Cancer Institute

0.25 Prescribed credits