Can reading literature enhance doctors’ well-being in hospital departments? Researchers behind a new project aim to find out.

In a busy workday, reading and discussing literature can offer a way to strengthen well-being and foster a sense of community in a workplace like a hospital. At least, that’s the view of the researchers behind the project "Narrative Medicine in Clinical Practice," who have previously investigated whether literature can improve doctors’ well-being in a single department at Aarhus University Hospital. They have now received approximately two million DKK in funding from the Central Denmark Region’s Cultural Fund to expand the project over the coming year

Doctors at the Department of Hematology at Aarhus University Hospital discussing literature. Photo: Private

4 November 2025 by Mathias Holm Guldberg

A group of doctors in white coats sits together in small groups in their morning conference room, reading poems, short stories, and excerpts from novels aloud to each other—often literature related to healthcare, which they can identify with.

We are at the Department of Hematology at Aarhus University Hospital, where the researchers behind Narrative Medicine in Clinical Practice are examining whether literature can improve doctors’ well-being. The project ran from 2023 to 2025 with support from the Health Foundation, and it has now received additional funding from the Regional Cultural Fund to expand collaboration across four hospital departments, in partnership with two postdoctoral researchers, Pernille Meyer (Department of Communication and Culture) and Tine Klitgaard (Department of Clinical Medicine).

“This is a project where we are experimenting with what literature can do in the clinical setting across four different hospital departments,” explains Carsten Stage, Professor of Nordic Language and Literature, who, together with Jane Ege Møller, Associate Professor at the Department of Clinical Medicine, leads the project.

Specifically, the researchers facilitate a program in which they visit the four departments multiple times, conducting various literary exercises with the staff.

“Sometimes we read. Sometimes we do a short writing exercise. Sometimes we watch a brief film clip and then initiate discussions about being a doctor or interacting with patients,” says Carsten Stage.

“And the idea is to examine whether this can promote well-being and encourage reflections on practice that wouldn’t otherwise happen. Can it also foster collegial cohesion by starting conversations through literature?”

Doctors’ Well-Being in Focus

The research project builds on preliminary studies suggesting that even brief encounters with literature and relatable narratives can enhance well-being, a sense of community, and reflection on practice.

This is particularly relevant in light of data on doctors’ well-being in Denmark. A recent WHO report indicates that doctors’ mental health is concerning: 8% struggle with anxiety, 13% with depression, and 6% experience passive suicidal thoughts.

Jane Ege Møller elaborates:

“The issue stems from a general problem, but doctors are the target group for this project. Several studies, both nationally and internationally, indicate that doctors—especially younger ones—experience high levels of stress. It’s not unique to this profession, but the percentages are slightly higher. We don’t claim that literature can solve this well-being crisis, but it might help maintain important conversations among colleagues.”

A Readily Accessible Kit

The pilot program at the Department of Hematology has been running for about a year, and feedback has been very positive, says Jane Ege Møller.

The new funding will support, among other things, the development of a curated selection of texts in collaboration with DOKK1 and Aarhus Libraries, creating a practical kit so doctors can continue the literary practice on their own.

“If you’re leading a 12.5-minute session during a morning case meeting and want to include a literary example, how do you access a ready archive so you’re prepared? That’s what we aim to provide,” explains Jane Ege Møller.

Carsten Stage adds:

“The goal is to create an online kit that departments can continue using after a short introductory session. Even departments wanting to experiment a few times could access exercises via DOKK1’s website.”

The plan is also to offer an introductory course in narrative medicine through AU Cetera.

Literature Doesn’t Demand Answers

The researchers have primarily used literature, but also films, images, and visual arts exercises.

But why literature?

“Many studies in narrative medicine focus on healthcare professionals’ empathy. Literature allows us to inhabit other people’s perspectives, practicing seeing the world differently,” explains Carsten Stage.

“In this project, we focus on another aspect of the literary experience. It slows things down, creating space for reflection and resonance, enabling doctors to connect in new ways and with different language.”

By offering doctors a different type of engagement, the program allows them to step out of their hectic routines, providing a positive break from the usual pace.

“Literature introduces a different language,” continues Carsten Stage.

“It’s a way to step outside medical discourse and talk about themselves and their lives differently.”

Jane Ege Møller adds:

“Some participants describe it as gaining a new language—a safe space to pause and have important conversations they otherwise wouldn’t have time for.”

The texts are selected to be unfamiliar enough to provoke thought, but not so alienating that participants disengage.

“As long as it relates somewhat to their world—doctors, patients, hospitals—the texts can be quite complex,” says Carsten Stage.

Why Not Just Use Patient Cases?

Literature does not replace patient cases. Fiction provides a productive break because it doesn’t demand debate about right or wrong, unlike a case study, which prompts problem-solving.

“Fiction allows reflection rather than problem-solving. You can immerse yourself in a universe and explore your thoughts and feelings without seeking solutions,” says Jane Ege Møller.

Useful for All Healthcare Professionals

Narrative Medicine in Clinical Practice builds on previous programs in narrative medicine, both voluntary and part of medical education.

The novelty lies in integrating narrative medicine into daily clinical practice in a Danish hospital.

“The new aspect is the everyday perspective. Doctors don’t choose to participate; everyone present at the morning conference takes part,” says Carsten Stage.

The focus on workplace well-being is also new.

“Traditionally, it’s been about empathy and patient communication. This introduces new approaches,” he adds.

The researchers see potential for applying the kit beyond Aarhus University Hospital.

“All healthcare professionals could benefit,” notes Jane Ege Møller.

The challenge is ensuring the kit is self-sufficient.

“If it works as a ready-to-use tool, the possibilities are many. Any healthcare workplace could adopt it,” says Carsten Stage.

Jane Ege Møller and Carsten Stage agree that practical barriers, such as time and funding, will influence the project’s scalability.