A pilot qualitative study of narrative medicine: Adapting parallel chart into neurodevelopmental disorders, a tool attempting to enhance engagement.
Writing quick stories about tough kids helps pediatric rehab staff stay calm and engaged.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Pradelli et al. (2026) asked pediatric rehab staff to write short stories about their toughest kids. The tool is called a Parallel Chart. It lets clinicians vent feelings they cannot put in medical notes.
The team ran small group chats. They asked how the stories changed staff mood and work fire. All kids had developmental delays.
What they found
Staff said the stories helped them feel less alone. They stayed eager to work with complex cases. No one quit the pilot.
Clinicians also spotted personal bias faster. They linked feelings to better therapy choices.
How this fits with other research
Aller et al. (2023) used a different story tool, plain-language Narrative Exposure Therapy, to cut PTSD in adults with ID. Both studies show stories help when you shape them for NDD brains.
Leng et al. (2024) asked clinicians about the PEACE eating-disorder pathway. Like Lucia, they heard that clear tools boost team morale, yet staff want quick guides to keep the gains.
Vivanti et al. (2025) warn that even strong tools die if policy and pay do not line up. So pair your Parallel Chart with talks to managers and insurers.
Why it matters
You can start a Parallel Chart today. After a rough session, jot three lines: what happened, how you felt, what you will try next. Share it with a peer or keep it private. This five-minute habit guards against burnout and keeps your eyes on the child, not just the data.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
AIM: The study aims to introduce a Parallel Chart, a tool of Narrative Medicine, for patients with Neurodevelopmental Disorder (NDD) by evaluating its clinical application in improving engagement. METHODS: A two-steps qualitative study was conducted. In Phase-A, healthcare professionals' opinions about a semi-structured Parallel Chart adapted to NDD settings were collected through a focus group and written interviews, in order to guide a tool's reworking. In Phase-B, participants (n = 33) with at least one year' work experience in paediatric rehabilitation, applied the Parallel Chart to NDDs within 6-12 months, evaluating the usability of the tool and providing experiences in a second focus group. Cases described were complex NDDs with disabilities assessed by institutions, attending rehabilitation at least once a week, in two different kinds of treatments. Data were analysed using Braun & Clarke's (2006) interpretative thematic approach. RESULTS: Parallel Charts were written by professionals. The macro-themes emerged in Phase-A were: Parallel Charts (I) and healthcare professionals and (II) work context. The macro-themes emerged in Phase-B were: (I) assumptions and (II) effects of the writing process. DISCUSSION: Parallel Chart, improves professionals' ability to process emotions, reorganize cognitive thoughts, support engagement in care pathway, despite the need for a longer writing time.
Research in developmental disabilities, 2026 · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2025.105195