This interview and story writing is to give a woman the opportunity to share her experience, it is
designed to give her voice to her story. The story is written as a narrative, one that represents her story using a fictitious name. Because you are writing the story for her it will be written somewhat from your point of view, and therefore includes interpretation.
When writing the story, please concentrate on what is heard and record the meaning the woman is
telling you. This story writing will give you an experience to reflect, share, dialogue, listen and grow
while learning from the woman who is telling you her lived experience. Specifics: Select a woman to
interview that has used the healthcare system in the past for a woman’s healthcare issues; Develop a
list of appropriate questions and have the instructor review them prior to the interview; Some questions to start with are:
I would like to learn about your experience with the healthcare system, I know that it is sometimes difficult to remember events and feeling but anything you can remember will be helpful.
Why did you seek healthcare and what signals did your body give you that made you know that you needed to seek healthcare?
What was it like to be told…..?
How did you learn more about ….?
Looking back – how does it all seem now?
Reassure the woman that her name will not be used. Ask permission to tape record it so you can re-listen. (You must either have verbal recorded permission or written permission to record)
Write a personal response to the story and your feelings about conducting the interview. What did you take away from interviewing this person? What did you learn about women and the healthcare problem she encountered? What could have changed the woman’s story?
Please share insights and feelings. This paper is usually 5-8 double spaced pages. DO NOT use names….only initials