WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – In partnership with StoryWork International, Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center certified its first class of LivingStories volunteers May 3.
LivingStories is a free program that is based on extensive research in Life Narrative Interviews. Specially trained volunteers visit patients at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center to conduct LivingStories reflective conversations. Patients are encouraged to focus on positive memories, strengths and coping skills while telling pieces of their life history. Reflection on these memories is shown to reduce anxiety, increase coping and improve outlook when facing medical challenges.
“The LivingStories program is a wonderful way to reduce potential anxiety during a hospital stay,” said Melissa Perrell Phipps, patient advocacy officer and vice president of patient services for Novant Health. “Novant Health sees each of our patients as a unique, whole person. Participating in a LivingStories interview allows patients the opportunity to share in a deeply meaningful way with specially trained volunteers. Not only does this improve their current mood, but it also can provide long-term positive impact. Both volunteers and patients benefit, as well as family members and the clinical team. It’s a program that continues to give, full circle.”
LivingStories is based on research conducted between 2014 and 2015 at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University and StoryWork International.
“We are excited to partner with Novant Health to now expand this important service to their patients,” said Richard Stone, CEO of StoryWork International. “Our research, and that of many others, has demonstrated that personal narrative is a consistently proven coping intervention in health care settings. It not only helps patients to feel understood as a full person, but can have a real and lasting impact on their outlook during a difficult time.”
The next LivingStories training for volunteers will take place May 24 and 25 at the Novant Health Conference Center, located on the campus of Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem For more information on how to become a LivingStories volunteer, please contact Novant Health Volunteer Services at 336-718-5745.
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