The use of research‐based theatre in a project related to metastatic breast cancer

Abstract

Research‐based theatre represents an innovative approach to disseminating the results of qualitative studies. In this paper, we provide a rationale for the importance of research‐based theatre and also review previous work that has been done in the area. We then describe our experience in transforming research data into a dramatic production, Handle with Care? This production was based on two studies – one with women with metastatic breast cancer, and the other with medical oncologists treating breast cancer patients. Results from ongoing assessment of the project are reported. We discuss some of the factors related to the success of Handle with Care? and reflect on what has been learned about the process of developing dramatic pieces related to serious illness.

Means of Knowledge Dissemination: Are the <i>Café Scientifique</i> and the Artistic Performance Equally Effective?

“…Initially used in research for representation and dissemination of findings, arts-based methods are now employed in all stages of inquiry (Fraser & Sayah, 2011): as a stimulus for data generation, a method for eliciting meanings and values, an intervention tool or a form of dissemination (Bergum & Godkin, 2008). A wide range of artistic forms are utilized by Canadian arts-based researchers: dance (Boydell et al, 2011); poetry (Groft & Robinson-Vollman, 2007;Lapum, 2005); theatrical performances (Cox et al, 2009a;Colantino et al, 2008;McIntyre & Cole, 2008;Clarke & Nisker, 2007;Doucet et al, 2007;Kontos & Naglie, 2007;Eakin & Endicott, 2006;Mitchell et al, 2006;Nisker et al, 2006;Sinding et al, 2006;Gray et al, 2000;; visuals (Poudrier & MacLean, 2009, Castleden & Garvin, 2008Oliffe & Botorff, 2007;Moffitt & Robinson-Vollman, 2004); and a combination of various forms of art (Cox et al, 2009b;.…”

Engaging youth in post-disaster research: Lessons learned from a creative methods approach

“…Using arts-based research deepens data generation; using the arts-based knowledge it produces can facilitate the dissemination of research findings and increase the potential impact of those findings (Colantonio et al 2008;Fleming et al 2009;Gray et al 2000). The youth-generated creative outputs in YCDR 2 have provided dissemination opportunities that moved beyond traditional modes (e.g.…”

Grief, Anger, and Relationality

“…Theatre contributes significantly to medical education because it has "a uniquely compelling emotional quality, making it difficult to avoid or intellectualize the struggles and suffering portrayed" (Shapiro & Hunt, 2003, p. 923). While there is increasing empirical support for the effectiveness of research-based drama for learning about illness and humane patient care in various clinical areas (Gray et al, 2003;Gray et al, 2000;Shapiro & Hunt, 2003), it is used with surprising infrequency in educational interventions to improve the quality of brain injury rehabilitation (for exceptions see Colantonio et al, 2008 andKontos et al, 2012).…”