Portrait of a process: Arts-based research in a head and neck cancer clinic

Mark A. Gilbert, William M. Lydiatt, Virginia A. Aita, Regina E. Robbins, Dennis P. McNeilly, Michele Marie Desmarais

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

The role of art in medicine is complex, varied and uncertain. To examine one aspect of the relationship between art and medicine, investigators analysed the interactions between a professional artist and five adult patients with head and neck cancer as they cocreated portraits in a clinical setting. The artist and four members of an interdisciplinary team analysed the portraits as well as journal entries, transcripts of portrait sessions and semistructured interviews. Over the course of 5 months, 24 artworks evolved from sittings that allowed both the patients and the artist to collaborate around stories of illness, suffering and recovery. Using narrative inquiry and qualitative arts-based research techniques five emergent themes were identified: embracing uncertainties; developing trusting relationships; engaging in reflective practices; creating shared stories; and empowerment. Similar themes are found in successful physician–patient relationships. This paper will discuss these findings and potential implications for healthcare and medical education.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)57-62
Number of pages6
JournalMedical Humanities
Volume42
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2016

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Philosophy

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