Narrative medicine has emerged as a transformative model in healthcare, emphasizing the role of patient stories in enhancing the quality of care. By recognizing the individuality of each patient's narrative—shaped by personal experiences and cultural contexts—this approach fosters deeper connections between caregivers and patients. Despite its growing recognition, narrative medicine remains underutilized in nursing, where the psychological and emotional dimensions of care are often overlooked. This systematic review examines clinical trials that investigate the integration of narrative practices into nursing education and care delivery, with the aim of assessing their clinical and educational impact. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across international and national databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SID, Noor, Magiran, Irandoc, and Google Scholar, using relevant English and Persian keywords. Eligible studies were clinical trials published in English or Persian. After removing duplicates and applying inclusion criteria, eight studies were included for analysis. Selection and data extraction were conducted independently by two researchers, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and ethical standards were maintained throughout. The studies, published between 2018 and 2024, involved nursing students (mean age 17.96–21.5 years), patients with lung tumors (mean age 49.31 years), and elderly patients (aged 61–89 years) with complex fractures. Findings were synthesized into three main domains. First, narrative-based education significantly enhanced empathy and academic performance among nursing students. Second, the implementation of narrative approaches led to measurable reductions in anxiety and depression among patients, particularly those with lung tumors. Third, improvements were observed in overall quality of life, pain management, and cognitive function, especially in elderly patients. These findings suggest that narrative education plays a critical role in improving both clinical and psychological outcomes. Narrative-based interventions enhance the empathetic capacity of nurses and contribute to higher standards of patient care. Incorporating narrative approaches into nursing curricula and clinical practice is recommended as a strategy to foster more holistic and human-centered care.
