Tenth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

In this workshop, we start at the root of existing barriers to global wellness–the stories and beliefs we hold onto that are influencing our ability to move towards better health and wellness outcomes by unpacking those narratives acting in opposition to the realization of impactful, sustainable, positive movement. Workshop facilitators bring forward the burgeoning tools within the field of Narrative Medicine to question: Is our understanding of the conversation accurate today? How might we rethink some traditional narratives to advance an otherwise institutionally-mediated drive towards better outcomes? How are we able to move beyond real and perceived barriers by shifting the narrative? How does narrative inform strategy for realizing equity? How do communities take control of their own narrative without cooptation, without censorship? Topics for which we advance the narrative through guided conversation circles include: 1. Disparities in healthcare as a result of racial and gender inequities; 2. Weakening democracies through anti-government rhetoric and the influence of elites; 3. Inter-generational differences in narratives that impact the wellness of populations; 4. Healthcare information technology and when it can be most impactful; and, 5. Implicit biases in Artificial Intelligence. Using interdisciplinary, specifically curated curricula, the group is guided through activities using three methodological practices of Narrative Medicine: narrative competency, mindset, and radical listening. Participants are able to have humane, imaginative, emotional, and authentic conversations that extend beyond conventional ideas of health and wellness and the type of impacts that are achievable.