title: Portrait of a process: arts-based research in a head and neck cancer clinic.
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.
authors.affiliation: The Faculty of Medicine, Division of Medical Education, Sir Charles Tupper Link Building, University Avenue, Halifax, Canada.
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Gilbert
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
authors.forename: William M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Lydiatt
authors.affiliation: Health Promotion, Social and Behavioral Health, The College of Public Health, The University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
authors.forename: Virginia A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Aita
authors.affiliation: Indigenous liberal studies department, Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA.
authors.forename: Regina E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Robbins
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
authors.forename: Dennis P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: McNeilly
authors.affiliation: Religious Studies Program, Arts & Sciences Hall, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
authors.forename: Michele Marie
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Desmarais
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D010151:Paintings; D010358:Patient Participation; D010506:Periodicals as Topic; D011173:Portraits as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D035502:Trust; D035501:Uncertainty