Abstract: Objective To investigate the cognitive level of narrative medicine and the current status of narrative competence among medical college students, and to analyze their influencing factors. Methods A convenience sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among medical college students at Anhui Medical University from October to November 2024. A self-designed questionnaire was employed to collect general information, as well as data on the cognitive level of narrative medicine and the status of narrative competence. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify influencing factors. Results A total of 600 questionnaires were distributed, and 576 of these were returned with valid responses. The mean score for the cognitive level of narrative medicine among medical students was(26.56±4.12), and the mean score for narrative competence was(69.30±9.50). The findings of this study indicated that both communication skills and empathy levels exerted a significant influence on the outcomes under investigation. Furthermore, the duration of hospital internships, experience in humanities and social sciences courses, and students majors significantly affected the cognitive level of narrative medicine, while volunteer service experience had a significant impact on narrative competence(P<0.05). Conclusion Medical college students demonstrate a relatively high level of narrative competence; however, their cognitive level of narrative medicine requires further improvement. From a phenomenological perspective, enhancing students understanding of patients intentional needs, engaging with patients life worlds, maximizing the intersubjective integration between doctors and patients, and analyzing the temporal and spatial characteristics of illness from diverse perspectives of doctors and patients have the potential to elevate their narrative medicine cognition and competence.

Key words: Narrative medicine, Narrative competence, Phenomenology, Communication skills, Empathy