Individuals experiencing cancer often report feelings of abandonment by the healthcare system after medical treatment has ended. Specifically, women with cancer have expressed the need for support beyond traditional medical and rehabilitation periods, especially with the process of reconstructing the self in the context of enduring illness. Occupational therapists could play a critical role in providing opportunities for self-reflection and transformation through occupation for this population. Art-based occupations may be especially useful for providing space for self-reflection and personal change. This article describes the experiences of women living with cancer who participated in community art-based workshops that focused on the themes of identity and transformation. The project consisted of mixed-media workshops that were held at a community-based facility providing supportive programs for people living with cancer. Eleven women participated in the workshops led by an art-based rehabilitation researcher and a visual artist. Workshops were audio-recorded, and photographs of the participants’ artwork were taken. Individual postworkshop interviews were conducted with the participants, within 4 to 6 weeks following the last workshop. Interpretive description was used to capture four themes with implications for personal change, transformation, and occupational therapy: (1) revealing: therapeutic potential; (2) sharing: vulnerability and new perspectives; (3) transforming: the self; and (4) creating: regular practices. The findings point to ways occupational therapists can form new partnerships with other disciplines and professionals to generate positive outcomes for people living with cancer.
There is a lack of access to culturally safe and individualized cancer survivorship care and awareness of the unique challenges and strengths that Indigenous persons living with cancer (PLCs) face. This study aimed to explore the experiences and needs of First Nations and Métis PLCs across Canada. From 2014 to 2016, we engaged 87 participants who were either PLCs or caregivers (CGs) from five communities across Canada—Gitxsan and Kenora, British Columbia; Ottawa, Ontario; and Akwesasne and Kahnawake, Quebec—using participatory arts-based methods. Following the thematic analysis of participants’ photographs, journal entries, and stories, we created a video exploring the themes of spirituality and ceremony, finding strength together, the land and nature, creating and sharing, and navigating health care. Participants’ feedback on the video supports the use of video as a knowledge translation tool that may promote meaningful dialogue around the cancer experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Almost half of all Canadians live with sensory, cognitive, or physical impairment due to injury, illness, or ageing. Yet, research investigating the complex relationship between well-being and impairment is limited. Existing research has largely rendered invisible peoples’ experiences of a good life while living with impairment. In response, researchers are calling for interdisciplinary research that integrates new paradigms. Using innovative qualitative and visual research methods, our team will work with 24 women living with impairment as a result of cancer and/or its treatments to explore how creative practices can contribute to new understandings of a good life. Participants will be invited to complete mixed-media arts workshops during which they will create artwork representing their experiences of well-being while living with impairment. After the workshops, each participant will be asked to complete an individual interview about their experiences and their creative work. Next, a rough cut of a film will be produced from the workshop recordings and participants will be invited to provide feedback at a private screening. The research will culminate in a public screening of the film and an exhibit of participants’ work. Audience members (health professionals, students, participants, and the general public) will participate in a discussion following the screening and will be asked to complete a short survey about the event. This research will enhance public understandings of what it means to live well with impairment. In addition, the research will potentially impact health practices through querying dominant biomedical paradigms focused on curative approaches and distress.
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