Our Stories, Our Strength: An Evidence-Based Practice Initiative to Enhance Healthcare Culture Through Storytelling
February 1st, 2026
United States
Jennifer Hayakawa, Paulina Schuhler, Rebecca DeAnda, John Schomberg, Melanie Patterson
A pediatric health care system launched an evidence-based storytelling initiative rooted in narrative medicine and visual symbolism. Over ninety percent of participants reported stronger connections to colleagues and organizational values.
Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing
Posted byCherry Ng
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Abstract/Description
Background and/or rationale: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated burnout, isolation, and disconnection among healthcare workers, leading to national calls to address workplace mental health. Storytelling has emerged as an effective strategy to build belonging, resilience, and connection. In response, a pediatric healthcare system launched an evidence-based storytelling initiative rooted in narrative medicine and visual symbolism.
Aim: To strengthen workplace culture by fostering connection, psychological safety, and meaning through structured storytelling.
Implementation: Developed in partnership with Dear World, the intervention integrated guided reflection, peer sharing, and professional photography. Initially focused on staff, the initiative expanded to include adolescent and young adult patients. Implementation included phased rollout, train-the-trainer models, onboarding integration, and multimedia engagement. Evaluation methods included pre- and post-surveys and organizational metrics, with the Connection During Conversations Scale (CDCS) used to assess effectiveness across different session formats.
Outcomes: Over 2 years, 1818 participants attended 60 events. Significant improvements in perceived connection and belonging were observed (p
Aim: To strengthen workplace culture by fostering connection, psychological safety, and meaning through structured storytelling.
Implementation: Developed in partnership with Dear World, the intervention integrated guided reflection, peer sharing, and professional photography. Initially focused on staff, the initiative expanded to include adolescent and young adult patients. Implementation included phased rollout, train-the-trainer models, onboarding integration, and multimedia engagement. Evaluation methods included pre- and post-surveys and organizational metrics, with the Connection During Conversations Scale (CDCS) used to assess effectiveness across different session formats.
Outcomes: Over 2 years, 1818 participants attended 60 events. Significant improvements in perceived connection and belonging were observed (p
