In the chapter, a phenomenon of cmpassion is explored from a narrative perspective. Basic principles of narrative medicine are overviewed and its correspondence with psychosomatic medicine based on bio-psycho-social model is outlined.
A concept of narrative sensitivity including compassion as its important component is introduced. Design and findings of exploratory research on narrative sensitivity in undergraduate medical students are described.
The ways of both training and maintaining narrative sensitivity, empathy and compassion, as essential components of communication skills, in medical students as well as junior doctors are discussed.