Narrative Preparedness: Policy-makers Must Engage with People's Values and Experiences to Ensure Effective Implementation of Interventions in Health Emergencies; Comment on "Health Preparedness and Narrative Rationality: A Call for Narrative Preparedness"

Abstract

Engebretsen and Baker’s conceptual paper ‘Health Preparedness and Narrative Rationality: A Call for Narrative Preparedness’ advocates for the adoption of narrative preparedness in addition to health preparedness, emphasising the importance of engaging with people's stories and values during health emergencies. This ensures that policymakers and health authorities gain the trust of communities as there is evidence this leads to improved outcomes. Their key argument is that science cannot be used effectively in policy unless it makes sense to people and is presented in a way that resonates with their values. This commentary draws on the wider literature and some key examples showing the wisdom of this approach. However, it also suggests that to be successful in integrating narrative preparedness in policy we need to look beyond working with health authorities and use a more transdisciplinary approach as well as addressing both the process and normative challenges in its adoption.