Aims: The aim of this article is to examine how the facilitation of narrative sessions aids in 'flattening the curve' of distress and anxiety experienced by healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic Methods and Material: Sixty-eight participants were surveyed Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through postsession surveys, copies of stories submitted by participants, and de-identified statements captured by facilitators during the sessions Two primary themes were used (i e , difficult/challenging and uplifting/inspiring) to structure the writing prompt and to analyze participant stories Using a layered account, the authors narrate their experiences as session facilitators and the anonymous experiences of session participants Results: Results show that 90% of participants reported the ability to listen more closely, 92 5% reported improved resilience, and 92 5% reported the ability to immediately apply what they practiced or witnessed in the narrative sessions Conclusion: Engaging in narrative writing and sharing stories verbatim in online sessions has the potential to address moral distress, increase active listening, and build resilience for health-care professionals This article highlights the critical role of engaging health-care professionals in reflective practices to process, reflect, and share their personal and professional experiences related to the impact of COVID-19 The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Interpersonal and communication skills © 2020 International Journal of Academic Medicine ;Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow
Flattening the curve of emotional distress during COVID-19