Film as a means to introduce narrative reflective practice in medicine and dentistry: a beginning story presented in three parts

Over the past two years, the authors pilot‐tested a new film‐based module in the first year Patient‐Centred Course (PCC1) in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta. This paper describes the rationale for, and response to use of film and facilitated small group discussion as a means of introducing narrative reflective practice. Feedback from students and facilitators in 2008 and 2009 supported the use of film as a means of promoting narrative reflection. Suggestions for improvement, along with changes introduced in 2009, are described. For example, based on positive student feedback, we were allotted increased time in the PCC1 block which allowed us to incorporate full‐length film screenings. Separate small groups for medical and dental students were also introduced, which was viewed as a positive change by dental facilitators and students. Planned changes in 2010, and suggestions for inquiry in this area are described.